PD-L1/PD1 Modulation Mechanisms in Lung Cancer: From Basic to Translational Evidences

Dear Colleagues,

Despite all recent efforts, the complex and dynamic interactions between immune systems and tumors allow us to understand why predicting the response of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) treatment using a single biomarker might not be possible in lung cancer. The predictive and prognostic values of the PD-L1 expression alone in lung cancer patients is currently under debate because of the methodological assessment of the PD-L1 expression and its temporal variations. Better detailed studies aimed at understanding the molecular basis of the main immunotherapy biomarkers are in demand. Genetic and epigenetic alterations strictly linked to the CD274/PD-L1 and CD279/PD-1 gene modulations have received surprisingly little attention until now, even if the results are currently highlighting the power of this analysis.

In this Special Issue, we plan to focus on genetic and epigenetic alterations that have a significant impact on the PD-L1/PD-1 system in solid tumors. We will discuss their biologic mechanism, detection methodologies, their impact on patients’ outcomes and utility in the context of immunotherapy in the cancer scenario.

Dr. Lucia Anna Muscarella
Dr. Umberto Malapelle
Guest Editors

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