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07 May 2025
A Genetic Fingerprint for Immunotherapy Success
Overall, our results offer valuable insights into the mechanisms driving effective anti-tumor immunity
New study uncovers biomarkers that help predict treatment effectiveness
Immunotherapy has transformed the field of cancer treatment by harnessing the body’s immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. However, its effectiveness varies significantly from patient to patient, with some experiencing remarkable recoveries while others see limited or no benefit. To address this critical challenge, researchers from the Technion have made a significant breakthrough on the road to personalized immunotherapy.
New findings published in the journal Cell Genomics by RTICC member Senior Lecturer Keren Yizhak and Ph.D. student Ofir Shorer from the Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, uncover a genetic "fingerprint" within immune cells that can help predict which patients are likely to respond positively to immunotherapy.
Personalized Insights Through Cutting-Edge Genomic Tools
The study is based on an extensive meta-analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing and T-cell receptor (TCR) sequencing data from cancer patients who received immunotherapy. By analyzing the genetic profiles of T cell clones—immune cells that play a crucial role in recognizing and attacking cancer—the researchers discovered patterns that distinguish responsive patients from non-responsive ones.
Toward More Effective and Targeted Therapies
The researchers discovered that while T cell clones are present in both patients who respond to immunotherapy and those who do not, responders exhibit a unique genetic signature within their T cell clones, and treatment appears to enhance their immune activity.
A significant observation was that in non-responsive patients, certain T cell clones were simultaneously found both in the tumor and the bloodstream. Based on these findings, the researchers propose that activating tumor-resident T cell clones, rather than those present in both the tumor and the blood, may be key to improving treatment outcomes.
This approach not only improves the ability to predict which patients will benefit from immunotherapy but may also inform new therapeutic strategies aimed at enhancing its effectiveness. In doing so, the study deepens our understanding of how the immune system interacts with tumors and how those interactions can be harnessed in cancer care.
The Research has been published in Cell Genomics
