Novel Biomarker Could Predict Resistance to Immunotherapy, Study Finds
Scientists at Northwestern Medicine have discovered a biological marker that predicts which cancer patients are more resistant to immunotherapy. Dubbed USP22, the marker also points to a potential treatment target for non-responders. Findings published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation have the potential to transform care for patients whose current options remain limited. Checkpoint blockade immunotherapy prevents harmful interactions between immune cells and cancer cells, keeping T-cells active so they can attack tumors. The approach has revolutionized cancer treatment over the past decade. However, despite early optimism about its potential to become a universal solution, immunotherapy only helps a small fraction of cancer patients. Earlier research showed that low levels of MHC-I proteins on tumor…

