Publication
Immunoglobulin G and Subclasses as Potential Biomarkers in Metastatic Melanoma Patients Starting Checkpoint Inhibitor Treatment
Journal Paper/Review - Apr 1, 2019
Diem Stefan, Risch Martin, Recher Mike, Risch Lorenz, Dummer Reinhard, Levesque Mitchell P, Mangana Joanna, Hillmann Dorothea, Niederer Rebekka, Berner Fiamma, Ali Omar Hasan, Bomze David, Fässler Mirjam, Flatz Lukas
Units
PubMed
Doi
Citation
Type
Journal
Publication Date
Issn Electronic
Pages
Brief description/objective
Checkpoint inhibitors have improved survival of metastatic melanoma. However, reliable biomarkers to predict response are still needed. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody subclasses reflect immunocompetence in individuals and are known to be involved in essential functions in our immune system. This prospective study evaluated the association between serum IgG with its subclasses IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 and antitumor response according to RECIST 1.1. Serum samples from 49 patients were prospectively collected before the start of treatment with a checkpoint inhibitor. We observed a statistically significant association of baseline IgG2 with response to therapy (P=0.011). After defining optimal cutpoints, we found significant associations between total IgG (>9.66 g/L, P=0.038), IgG1 (>6.22 g/L, P=0.025), IgG2 (>2.42 g/L, P=0.019), and IgG3 (>0.21 g/L, P=0.034) with progression-free survival. Prolonged overall survival was associated with elevated IgG2 (>2.42 g/L, P=0.043). Together, these findings define total IgG and subclasses as predictors of clinical successful checkpoint inhibition in metastatic melanoma patients.