Effects of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Cancer Treatment on Tumor-Associated B Cells in Recurrent Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K09595
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 56050:Otorhinolaryngology-related
• Research Institution: Kurume University
• Principal Investigator: Komatsu Nobukazu 久留米大学, 医学部, 准教授 (50343687)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 小野 剛治 久留米大学, 医学部, 准教授 (70449916)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: ニボルマブ / プラチナ抵抗性再発転移頭頸部癌

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We investigated the effect of nivolumab, an antibody against the immune checkpoint molecule PD-1, on B cells in the treatment of platinum-resistant recurrent metastatic head and neck cancer.
No significant differences in immunophenotype of B cells in peripheral blood were observed between patients who responded to treatment and those who did not, but differences were observed in the levels of antibodies to tumour antigens and some cytokines.
These results suggest that humoral immune responses and some cytokines are associated with clinical response.

Free Research Field

臨床免疫学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

プラチナ抵抗性再発転移頭頸部癌に対する「ニボルマブ」の治療効果は劇的であるものの、その奏功率は２０ー３０％に留まっている。本研究は奏功率改善の手がかりを得るためにT細胞と比してこれまで知見が少ないB細胞に着目し解析を行なったものである。
本研究成果として体液性免疫応答並びにいくつかのサイトカインが臨床効果と関連していることが推察されたことから、将来的にはニボルマブの治療効果予測バイオマーカーとしての利用も考えられる。