Researchers at Northwestern Medicine have identified immune system markers that may help predict who responds to BCG bladder cancer therapy and who does not, according to findings published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. The discovery could lead to more personalized treatment for bladder cancer patients, potentially sparing non-responders from ineffective therapy and its side effects.
BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) therapy is a standard immunotherapy for high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, but it fails in about 30-50% of patients. Currently, there is no reliable way to predict which patients will benefit. The Northwestern team analyzed tumor samples from patients before and during BCG treatment, identifying specific immune cell populations and gene expression patterns associated with response.
The study found that patients who responded to BCG had higher levels of certain immune cells, including CD8+ T cells and natural killer cells, as well as increased expression of genes related to interferon signaling. In contrast, non-responders showed a more immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. These biomarkers could be used to stratify patients and guide treatment decisions.
While the findings are promising, larger clinical trials are needed to validate the biomarkers before they can be used in routine practice. The research aligns with broader efforts to refine immunotherapy, such as those by Calidi Biotherapeutics Inc. (NYSE American: CLDI), which is developing innovative platforms to enhance cancer treatment.
The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense. For more information on the research, visit the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
