We studied the possible clinical significance of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at key tumor suppressor genes loci in advanced renal cancer patients treated with nivolumab.
LOH study was performed on 3p14. 2 (FHIT gene); 3p21.3-21.2; 9p21 (BDMF gene); 9p22 (SH3GL2 gene).
Of 12 patients, 8 (67%) had LOH. The most affected gene was FHIT. All five patients with LOH at FHIT locus had good outcome, mean progression free survival of 6.8 months. The patients LOH negative at FHIT locus had mean progression free survival of 4 months, 67% were treatment refractory. Overall, 75% of patients with LOH of at least one gene had benefit; 75% of LOH negative cases were refractory.
LOH at key tumor suppressor genes should be further investigated as predictive for immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy. 2018 Jul [Epub]
Melissa Bersanelli, Letizia Gnetti, Cinzia Azzoni, Lorena Bottarelli, Nicola Sverzellati, Nicoletta Campanini, Elena Varotti, Michele Corrado, Raffaele Parziale, Elena Rapacchi, Giuseppe Caruso, Francesco Leonardi, Enrico Maria Silini, Sebastiano Buti
Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126, Parma, Italy., Pathologic Anatomy Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126, Parma, Italy., Radiology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126, Parma, Italy.