Immuno-oncology is revolutionizing cancer treatment by harnessing the power of the immune system to fight cancer cells. Traditional cancer therapies like chemotherapy and radiation focus on directly targeting and killing cancer cells. In contrast, immunotherapies work by boosting the body’s natural defenses to recognize and destroy cancer cells. This approach is a game-changer, offering the potential for lasting responses and fewer side effects.
As immunotherapy continues to make strides, the importance of understanding genomic factors in immuno-oncology has never been greater. Specific genomic variants play a crucial role in determining how a patient will respond to immunotherapy. This is where Genomenon comes in, offering valuable insights to help researchers and clinicians make informed decisions.
Why Immuno-Oncology Matters
The ability to harness the immune system to fight cancer has opened up new possibilities for treatment, particularly for cancers that were previously hard to treat. The introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has made a significant impact. These therapies, such as PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 inhibitors, work by blocking the signals that cancer cells use to evade the immune system. By inhibiting these signals, ICIs allow the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively.
However, the success of immunotherapy is not uniform across all patients. Research has shown that while ICIs work well for some, others do not respond at all. This is where genetics plays a crucial role. Variations in genes related to immune checkpoints, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and mismatch repair (MMR) pathways can influence how a tumor responds to immunotherapy.
CKB's Contribution to Immuno-Oncology Interpretation
At Genomenon, we are proud to support the ongoing advancements in immuno-oncology through our Cancer Knowledgebase (CKB). As part of our CKB CORE™ offering, we have highlighted 20 key genes relevant to immuno-oncology in this quarter’s release. These genes are linked to critical mechanisms in cancer immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint inhibition, tumor response, and immune evasion.
Understanding these genes is critical because they are directly involved in mechanisms like immune response, checkpoint inhibition, DNA repair, and chromatin remodeling. For example, MSH2 and MSH6 are key genes in mismatch repair, and defects in these genes have been linked to increased mutational burden and improved responses to immunotherapy. Likewise, PD-L1 is often used as a biomarker for predicting patient response to ICIs, but its effectiveness is still debated, prompting further exploration into additional predictive biomarkers.
Genes Driving Immuno-Oncology Research
The 20 genes included in this quarter’s CKB CORE™ (Fig 1) release play an important role in improving the effectiveness of immunotherapy.
By providing free access for these 20 immuno-oncology genes, Genomenon is helping to fill the knowledge gap and advance the field of immuno-oncology. Researchers and clinicians can use this curated data to interpret genomic variants in the context of cancer immunotherapy, enabling more personalized treatment approaches. Whether it’s understanding how genomic variants affect immune checkpoint inhibition or identifying patients who are most likely to respond to ICIs, this information is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Figure 1. 20 genes relevant to immunotherapy response grouped by roles
The Promise of Personalized Cancer Treatment
Immuno-oncology offers immense promise, but it is still evolving. As we learn more about the genetic underpinnings of immune responses in cancer, it becomes clear that personalized treatment strategies based on genetic testing will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of cancer care. By identifying genetic variants that influence response to immunotherapy, clinicians can better tailor treatments to individual patients, optimizing outcomes and minimizing unnecessary side effects.
This is where Genomenon’s Cancer Knowledgebase can make a difference. By providing curated genomic insights we offer researchers and clinicians the tools they need to interpret genomic data and make more informed decisions. Our platform integrates preclinical and clinical data to provide a comprehensive view of the genetic factors that influence cancer treatment.
Why It Matters to You
Whether you are a researcher, oncologist, or healthcare provider, having access to accurate, curated genomic insights can significantly impact the way you approach cancer treatment. Genomenon is here to support you by providing the data needed to navigate the complex world of immuno-oncology. With our CKB CORE™ offering, you can access vital information about key genes and their role in immunotherapy response, empowering you to make informed decisions that could ultimately improve patient outcomes.
Get Involved
We encourage you to explore our Cancer Knowledgebase (CKB) and take advantage of this special offer. By using the data available, you can gain deeper insights into how genomic factors influence cancer treatment and work toward better, more personalized care for your patients.
Take action today to help advance the future of cancer treatment. Explore CKB and gain free access to our valuable immuno-oncology data: https://ckb.genomenon.com/
