Single-Cell Immune Profiling of Early vs. Late Checkpoint Inhibitor Resistance in ‘Real World’ Patient Cohorts

While single-cell sequencing is being used to characterize the tumor microenvironment (Yadollahvandmiandoab et al., 2024), a gap remains in dynamic, longitudinal profiling—especially comparing primary (no response) and acquired (initial response, then relapse) resistance phenotypes (Santiago-Sánchez et al., 2024). By collecting serial biopsies and blood samples pre-, during, and post-therapy, this study would uncover whether different resistance mechanisms are at play, and which immune cell states are predictive of durable response. This could lead to more nuanced, time-dependent biomarkers and inform on-the-fly therapy adjustments, making checkpoint inhibition more adaptive and personalized.

References:

1. A landscape of checkpoint blockade resistance in cancer: underlying mechanisms and current strategies to overcome resistance. Ginette S. Santiago-Sánchez, Kellsye P. Fabian, James W Hodge (2024). Cancer Biology & Therapy.
2. Clinical implications of single cell sequencing for bladder cancer. Reza Yadollahvandmiandoab, M. Jalalizadeh, Franciele Dionato, K. Buosi, Patricia A F Leme, L. S. D. Col, C. Giacomelli, Alex Dias Assis, Nasim Bashirichelkasari, L. O. Reis (2024). Oncology Research.