Gene-based Diagnostic Predicts Patient Response to Cancer Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a promising method of treating cancer that leverages the immune system to promote tumor rejection. However, certain somatic mutations in cancer cells confer resistance to T cell-mediated cytolysis. To improve the effectiveness of immunotherapies for cancer, there exists a need to prospectively identify patients who are most likely to respond to such therapies.

Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) have developed a method of selecting a therapy for a cancer patient by screening for known mutations which confer immune resistance. By performing a whole genome wide CRISPR-Cas9 screen, the researchers discovered a novel set of genes required for T-cell mediated tumor clearance. The results of this screen were combined with The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets and then cross-validated to determine immune sensitivity in multiple human cancers. Through their studies, the researchers have identified genes that are essential for eliciting an effective T-cell response.

The National Cancer Institute, Surgery Branch, is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research to further develop, evaluate or commercialize this method of using a set of novel genes to determine an appropriate therapy for a cancer patient.

Competitive Advantages:

• Resistant properties imparted by these genes has been validated by functionally knocking them out in cancer cells
• These genes correlate with T cell cytolytic activity across most cancer types

Commercial Applications:

• Development of a companion diagnostic for cancer immunotherapies, particularly adoptive cell therapies