Can Supertype B44 HLA Antigen Shape Tumor Response in NSCLC?

Researchers at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center explored the role of the B44 supertype HLA antigen in response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer treatment. In Nature Cancer, Edward B. Garon, MD, of David Geffen School of Medicine, and colleagues reported that although this specific HLA antigen may be associated with improved survival in patients with melanoma treated with these immunotherapeutic agents, this effect was not seen in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors for non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The investigators believe their study findings may improve the assessment of HLA-related outcomes and predict the benefit from such immunotherapy in those who have B44.