Dr. Orr on Ongoing Biomarker Research in Ovarian Cancer

Brian Orr, MD, an assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, discusses ongoing biomarker research for immunotherapy in ovarian cancer.

Every clinical trial should include comprehensive testing via tumor and blood samples to identify potential markers of response, says Orr. In some tumors, such as lung cancer, PD-L1 expression has become a biomarker of response to immunotherapy.

In less immunogenic tumors, such as ovarian cancer, it is not clear whether PD-L1 expression is indicative of response to this approach, says Orr. As such, tissue and blood samples should be collected prospectively in an attempt to augment ongoing translational research, adds Orr.

Due to tumor heterogeneity, it can be challenging to collect samples that reflect the tumor microenvironment. Ideally, samples should be collected pre- and posttreatment; however, this is not often feasible, concludes Orr.