Basic Concepts in Predictive Biomarkers for Immuno-Oncology

Course overview

The rapid rate of breakthroughs in immuno-oncology (IO) have created new—and non-intuitive—diagnostic paradigms and testing protocols for cancer. This has led to considerable confusion in the broader pathology and laboratory medicine community about the basic science of IO, as well as a lack of skill in testing and diagnostics associated with IO and immunotherapeutics. ASCP is dedicated to helping pathologists and laboratory professionals develop their core scientific knowledge as well as the testing and diagnostic skill sets associated with IO and immuno-therapeutics to keep up with these scientific advances. This case-based module will focus on how tumor samples can be used to guide patient therapy. Traditionally therapy directed at c-KIT or HER2 cancer proteins have been determined by immunohistochemical staining of patient tumor samples. Using a similar immunohistochemical based strategy, immuno-oncology based chemotherapy has been direct based upon tumor staining for the PD-L1 protein. Unlike interpreting other predictive immunohistochemical staining, PD-L1 reporting is different between different tumor types. General concepts of the predictive nature, cellular location and reporting of PD-L1 expression will be discussed. Other ideas on future predictive biomarkers for immune oncology will be introduced. Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this module, learners should be able to: • Describe basic concepts of immune-based therapy, including immunosurveillance and immunosuppression of the tumor micro-environment • Describe general concepts of predictive biomarkers, cellular location, and reporting of PD-L1 expression in various cancer types • Explain the advantages of immune checkpoint therapy and the types of patients who respond Faculty: Elizabeth Thompson, MD, PhD Assistant Professor of Pathology and Oncology The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Associate Member, Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy The American Society for Clinical Pathology is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Credit Designation Statement The ASCP designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. These activities also meet MOC Part II Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment Module (SAMs CME) requirements. ASCP designates these live activities for a maximum of 1.0 CMLE credit. These activities meet CMP and state re-licensure requirements for laboratory personnel. For questions regarding CME credit, please contact ASCP Customer Service at 1-800-267-2727, during normal business hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time Method of Participation To complete the activity and receive credit, the participant must complete the online course. CME certificates will be provided on-line. Funded by an independent educational grant from Pfizer/Merck KGaA