Researchers from The Institute of Cancer Research have developed a new molecular imaging technique that could change the way glioblastomas, a fast-growing and common type of brain cancer, are treated.
Their findings suggest that immuno-positron emission tomography (immuno-PET) could help identify patients who are most likely to benefit from immunotherapy, potentially leading to better patient outcomes.
Assessing Protein Levels
Currently, the levels of a protein called PD-L1, which is involved in suppressing the immune system, are assessed using tissue samples taken during surgery.
However, this method is subject to human error and is not standardized. Immuno-PET aims to offer a more accurate and less invasive alternative.
Immunotherapy has been explored as a treatment for glioblastoma but is only effective for a subset of patients.
Identifying high levels of PD-L1 could help healthcare providers determine which patients are more likely to respond well to immune checkpoint inhibitors, a type of immunotherapy.
The Science Behind the Technique
Researchers used NOTA-maleinide to link ZPD-L1 affibody molecules to specific radionuclides, creating a radiotracer that specifically targets PD-L1.
Affibodies were used instead of antibodies because they are smaller and clear the body more quickly, reducing radiation dose and allowing for faster imaging.
In mouse models, the researchers showed that this new radiolabeled affibody could assess the expression level of PD-L1 in tumors effectively.
Separate analyses on human glioblastoma samples confirmed that tumors with elevated PD-L1 expression levels are more responsive to immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Clinical Trial Underway
A clinical trial based on these preclinical results is currently being conducted in Poland.
Researchers are optimistic that the new screening technique could improve outcomes for the 30%-49% of patients with a particular subtype of glioblastoma that responds well to immunotherapy.
Dr. Gabriela Kramer-Marek, Group Leader in Preclinical Molecular Imaging at the ICR, stated, “The treatment for glioblastoma has not changed for decades.
Although we still do not have a cure, I believe that this new screening approach could definitely change patient outcomes.”
Implications
Personalized Medicine: The new technique allows for a more tailored approach to treating glioblastoma, potentially making treatments like immunotherapy more effective for certain patients.
Reduced Reliance on Surgery: As a non-invasive procedure, immuno-PET could reduce the need for surgical biopsies to determine treatment routes.
Potential for Better Outcomes: Given that glioblastomas have a very poor prognosis with limited treatment options, any advancement in identifying effective treatments could be a significant step forward in improving survival rates.
By offering a new, more precise way to evaluate PD-L1 levels in glioblastoma patients, this innovative approach could pave the way for more effective, personalized treatments.
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The study was published in Cancers.
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