Abstract PO-089: Spatial profiling of the tumour microenvironment using digital spatial profiling

Abstract

Abstract Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have shown durable and long-term benefits in a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To identify patient-responders from non-responders, biomarkers are needed which are predictive of outcome to ICI therapy. Cues in the tumour microenvironment (TME) have been informative in understanding the tumour-immune contexture. Methods: In this study, the NanoString GemoMx™ Digital Spatial Profiling (DSP) technology was used to determine the immune marker and compartment specific measurements in a cohort of HNSCC and NSCLC tumours from patients receiving ICI therapy. Results: Our data revealed that markers involved with immune cell infiltration (CD8 T-cells) were not predictive of outcome to ICI therapy. A number of immune cell types (CD4, CD68, CD45, CD44, CD66b) were found to correlate with progressive disease. Conclusions: Our data shows proof of principle for use of digital spatial profiling for the identification of predictive biomarkers for ICI therapy in HNSCC and NSCLC. Citation Format: Arutha Kulasinghe. Spatial profiling of the tumour microenvironment using digital spatial profiling [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Special Conference on Tumor Heterogeneity: From Single Cells to Clinical Impact; 2020 Sep 17-18. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(21 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-089.