Many will have a chance: researchers have developed a test to predict the success of immunotherapy for cancer.

A new study conducted by researchers from the Francis Crick Institute and the Barts Cancer Institute at Queen Mary University of London has identified a protein known as CD74 as a potential marker for predicting which colorectal cancer patients may benefit from immunotherapy. This is a significant step towards offering individuals the most effective treatment options for their specific cases, thereby improving their survival rates, reports The Francis Crick Institute.

The findings, published in the journal Cancer Cell, suggest that testing for CD74 levels could greatly expand access to these treatment methods, potentially assisting hundreds of patients who currently do not qualify.

Colorectal cancer, the fourth most common cancer in the UK and the second leading cause of cancer mortality, is divided into two subtypes: one with a deficiency of DNA repair proteins (deficient subtype) and another with intact DNA repair mechanisms (proficient subtype). Immunotherapy has transformed the treatment landscape for the deficient subtype; however, only about half of patients respond to the medications.

For the proficient subtype, which accounts for approximately 90% of all cases, immunotherapy remains unavailable. Nevertheless, this research implies that measuring CD74 levels could open avenues for some patients with the proficient subtype to benefit from such treatments.

The researchers examined the immune microenvironment of tumors and noted that the presence of three key immune cells—T cells, NK cells, and macrophages—is essential for a successful response to immunotherapy. These cells collectively produce interferons that activate signaling pathways in macrophages and tumor cells. Tumors that responded to treatment exhibited higher levels of CD74, a protein produced during immune activation. Notably, this was observed in both the deficient and proficient subtypes, suggesting that in some patients of a specific subtype, the immune environment may be conducive to immunotherapy.

Utilizing spatial transcriptomics, the researchers confirmed that CD74 levels could serve as a reliable indicator of immunotherapy effectiveness. Samples collected during international clinical trials supported this conclusion, showing that patients with higher CD74 levels respond better to treatment. This finding is particularly crucial for the proficient subtype, where treatment options remain limited, and for identifying patients with the deficient subtype who are unlikely to respond to treatment, thus sparing them unnecessary side effects.

The lead researcher Francesca Chicarrelli emphasized the potential impact of the results: "Our work suggests that testing for CD74 levels—which indicates that the immune system is primed to fight the tumor—could broaden access to immunotherapy for millions."

The research team, collaborating with institutions such as the Veneto Institute of Oncology, plans to develop a clinical test based on these findings and explore whether CD74 overexpression occurs in other cancer types. If successful, the implementation of CD74 testing in clinical practice could represent a revolutionary step towards overcoming the disease by offering a targeted treatment approach that maximizes benefits while minimizing harm.

In the UK alone, over 42,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, with survival rates largely dependent on the stage at diagnosis.

Important! This article is based on the latest scientific and medical research and is not in conflict with it. The text is for informational purposes only and does not contain medical advice. For diagnosis, please consult a physician.