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IMMUNOTHERAPY

Dissecting the immunogenomic biology of cancer for biomarker development

Studies have identified multiple molecular properties with a biological rationale supporting a role in mediating selective responses to immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), including loss-of-function mutations in mSWI/SNF chromatin regulators; however, their clinical biomarker relevance is uncertain. Herein, we evaluate emerging concepts, challenges and considerations around translating biology into biomarkers for ICIs in solid tumours setting.

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Correspondence to Eliezer M. Van Allen.

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Competing interests

E.M.V.A. reports advisory relationships and consulting with Enara Bio, Genome Medical, Illumina, Invitae, Manifold Bio, Janssen and Tango Therapeutics; research support from Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) and Novartis; equity in Enara Bio, Genome Medical, Manifold Bio, Syapse and Tango Therapeutics; and travel reimbursement from Genentech and Roche, outside the submitted work. T.K.C. reports institutional and personal research support from Alexion, Analysis Group, AstraZeneca, Bayer, BMS/ER Squibb and sons, Calithera, Cerulean, Corvus, Eisai, Exelixis, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Foundation Medicine, Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Ipsen, Lilly, Merck, Novartis, Peloton, Pfizer, Prometheus Labs, Roche, Roche Products, Sanofi/Aventis, Takeda and Tracon; honoraria from Alexion, American Society of Medical Oncology, Analysis Group, AstraZeneca, Bayer, BMS/ER Squibb and sons, Cerulean, Clinical Care Options, Corvus, Eisai, EMD Serono, Exelixis, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Foundation Medicine, Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Harborside Press, Heron Therapeutics, Ipsen, Kidney Cancer Journal, Lancet Oncology, Lilly Oncology, L-path, Merck, Michael J. Hennessy (MJH) Associates (Healthcare Communications Company with several brands such as OnClive, PeerView and PER), Navinata Healthcare, NCCN, New England Journal M, Novartis, Peloton, Pfizer, Platform Q, Prometheus Labs, Research to Practice, Roche, Roche Products, Sanofi/Aventis and Up-to-Date; consulting or advisory roles with Alexion, Analysis Group, AstraZeneca, Bayer, BMS/ER Squibb and sons, Cerulean, Corvus, Eisai, EMD Serono, Exelixis, Foundation Medicine, Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Heron Therapeutics, Ipsen, Lilly, Lilly Ventures, Merck, NCCN, Novartis, Peloton, Pfizer, Pionyr, Prometheus Labs, Roche, Sanofi/Aventis, Tempest and Up-to-Date; stock/option ownership in Pionyr and Tempest; present or past leadership roles as Director of GU Oncology Division at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) and past President of Medical Staff at DFCI, a member of NCCN Kidney panel and the GU Steering Committee, past chairman of the Kidney Cancer Association Medical and Scientific Steering Committee, a member of the KidneyCanAdvisory board, Kidney cancer Research Summit co-chair (2019-present); patents, royalties or other intellectual properties related to biomarkers of immune checkpoint blockers (along with E.M.V.A.) and circulating free methylated DNA; and travel, accommodations, expenses, in relation to consulting, advisory roles or honoraria.

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Van Allen, E.M., Choueiri, T.K. Dissecting the immunogenomic biology of cancer for biomarker development. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 18, 133–134 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41571-020-00461-1

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