New research shows that a specific genetic deficiency could help improve the chances of successful immunotherapy treatment for some lung cancer patients. The study focuses on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) — the most commonly diagnosed form of lung cancer — and a treatment called immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. The research was led by a team from The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James). ICB works by targeting proteins — called immune checkpoint proteins — that stop the immune system from rampantly and indiscriminately attacking cells. Blocking or inhibiting these proteins can boost the immune system’s ability to attack cancer cells. ICB is often administered to NSCLC patients, but only a small fraction respond to the treatment. To address the issue, the OSUCCC – James research team, along with collaborators from other institutions, zeroed in on a specific gene and the protein it produces that are underexpressed (too inactive) in approximately 40% of NSCLC patients. Lung cancer facts: risks, symptoms and treatment options at The Ohio State University. While this genetic underexpression correlates to poor prognosis in NSCLC patients, researchers found that cancer cells with a specific low expression of this gene in a preclinical model of lung cancer were very sensitive to blocking an immune checkpoint protein called PD-L1. The finding indicates potential for this treatment to boost affected patients’ immune responses to cancer. “This study identifies a new subset of NSCLC patients who are more likely to respond to immune checkpoint therapy,” says corresponding study author Junran Zhang, MD, PhD, an Ohio State professor of radiation oncology and a member of the OSUCCC – James’ Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology (PIIO). “We’ve defined a more reliable biomarker to help guide immunotherapy decisions for a subset of NSCLC.” The study is just one example of the PIIO team’s groundbreaking efforts to improve immunotherapy, which harnesses the body’s natural defenses to treat cancer. “This work represents a long-term interest of Dr. Zhang’s laboratory to study the interplay between cancer biology and the host immune defense mechanism,” says Zihai Li, MD, PhD, the PIIO’s founding director. “We are pleased to collaborate with Dr. Zhang to guide immunotherapy for lung cancer patients.” Cancer immunotherapy: how doctors and researchers are helping the body’s natural defenses fight cancer.