Host immune classifier HIC assays may predict treatment response

(Singapore–4:45 p.m. SPT/3:45 a.m. EST January 30, 2021–Using a host immune classifier (HIC) test for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) may provide better predictors of treatment response and improve outcomes, according to research presented today at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer’s 2020 World Conference on Lung Cancer Singapore.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer care in patients with advanced stage aNSCLC, but better predictors of treatment response are still needed to guide treatment decisions for patients diagnosed with NSCLC, according to Dr. Wallace Akerley, of Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah. HIC (Host Immune Classifier) is a serum proteomic measure of inflammation. Hot implies that the tumor is inflamed.

Researchers from 33 sites enrolled 3,500 patients with NSCLC in a prospective, observational study that assessed the ability of clinical factors and a clinically validated, blood-based, HIC to predict immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy outcomes.

Results in a real-world clinical setting, overall survival (OS) of subjects with newly diagnosed aNSCLC did not differ significantly between ICI and ICI+ chemotherapy (median OS (mOS): 9.4 vs. 12.5 months; hazard ratio, 0.80 [95% CI: 0.54-1.19], p = 0.28).

Results demonstrated that subjects receiving ICI indicated that HIC (HIC defined in title, better performance status (PS) and younger age, but not high PD-L1 expression (either 50% or 90% cutoff) were significantly associated with longer OS. When adjusted for covariates in a multi-variate analysis, HIC and age remained significant predictors of OS (p = 0.0006 and p = 0.005), while PS did not (p = 0.40).

“The HIC test provides clinically meaningful information in addition to currently used clinical factors to potentially help guide immunotherapy treatment decisions for patients with newly diagnosed NSCLC,” said Dr. Block.

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About the IASLC:

The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) is the only global organization dedicated solely to the study of lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies. Founded in 1974, the association’s membership includes nearly 7,500 lung cancer specialists across all disciplines in over 100 countries, forming a global network working together to conquer lung and thoracic cancers worldwide. The association also publishes the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, the primary educational and informational publication for topics relevant to the prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of all thoracic malignancies. Visit

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About the WCLC:

The WCLC is the world’s largest meeting dedicated to lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies, attracting nearly 7,500 researchers, physicians and specialists from more than 100 countries. The goal is to increase awareness, collaboration and understanding of lung cancer, and to help participants implement the latest developments across the globe. The conference will cover a wide range of disciplines and unveil several research studies and clinical trial results. For more information, visit wclc2020.iaslc.org.