PD-L1 expression in G3 Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

• G3 Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) are rare but highly aggressive tumors and traditionally treated with platinum-based chemotherapy in combination with etoposide. Immune checkpoint proteins such as programmed cell death ligand (PD-L1) may have a role in different cancers making them escape the immune system and hence progress making them excellent targets for treatment. Our aim was investigate the immunohistochemical expression of PD-L1 protein in G3 GEP-NEN (Ki67 >20%) and to evaluate the frequency and location of expression and its correlation to clinical parameters.   In a cohort of 136 patients, 14 tumor samples (10%) had PD-L1 immunoreactive cells; in four (3%) patient’s expression was seen in the tumor cells and in 10 (7%) expression was seen in immune cells. PD-L1 expression did not correlate to clinical parameters, progression-free survival or overall survival.    We conclude that PD-L1 expression is present only in a subset of G3 GEP-NENs. Further studies are needed to fully understand the role of PD-L1 in patients with G3 GEP-NEN, and to assess the potential treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

PD-L1

immune check inhibitors

G3 GEP-NEN

immunohistochemistry

Publikations- och innehållstyp

vet (ämneskategori)

ovr (ämneskategori)