Description and purpose
Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of mRCC and NSCLC, but only a few patients obtain lasting benefit, making prognostic and predictive biomarkers necessary. The project explores the role of cholesterol homeostasis, particularly ABCA1/G1-mediated efflux, and the tissue and peripheral immune profile to clarify the interaction between lipid metabolism, the immune microenvironment, and the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).
Purpose
The LINCHOLM study aims to characterize the immune metabolism of patients with metastatic RCC or NSCLC treated with ICIs in the first line. It will assess whether tissue and circulating levels of cholesterol homeostasis regulators influence progression-free survival (primary endpoint), overall survival, and objective response to ICIs (secondary endpoints), and whether they correlate with immune microenvironment characteristics.
Expected results
The results will clarify the biological and immunological mechanisms of the tumor and the therapeutic response, improving clinical management. The analysis of tissues and blood will describe tumor-host interactions, with a focus on cholesterol metabolism and immune response. The study will characterize for the first time the functionality of HDL in cancer, linking inflammation and lipid metabolism.
Achieved results
As of today, approximately 90% of the expected patients have been enrolled and both the blood and tissue analyses are underway.
