A retrospective analysis of eosinophilia as a predictive marker of response and toxicity to cancer immunotherapy

[D.ap]

Eosinophils play a crucial role in the immune response to cancer and can influence the effectiveness of immunotherapy. Higher eosinophil counts have been associated with better responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors in certain cancer patients, indicating their potential as a predictive biomarker for treatment outcomes.

Abstract

Aim:

To investigate eosinophilia as a potential on-treatment biomarker for patients receiving cancer immunotherapy.

Materials & methods:

We evaluated the association between eosinophilia and treatment response and toxicity in a retrospective cohort of patients receiving cancer immunotherapy.

Results:

The study involved 146 patients. Eosinophilia developed in 22%. Patients who developed eosinophilia were more likely to achieve disease control (p = 0.009), with every 0.1 × 109/l rise in eosinophil count, while receiving treatment was associated with a 28% relative increased chance achieving disease control. Although there was a trend toward improved survival, there was no significant association between eosinophilia and improved overall survival (p = 0.136). Patients with eosinophilia were more likely to develop toxicity (p = 0.042).

Conclusion:

Eosinophilia is a potentially useful biomarker warranting further prospective clinical investigation.

Keywords: : biomarker, cancer, eosinophilia, immune checkpoint inhibitors, response, toxicity


https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7720365/

[D.ap]

“ While eosinophilia can be a marker for these cancers, it is important to note that elevated eosinophil levels can also result from non-cancerous conditions, such as allergies and parasitic infections. Therefore, a thorough medical evaluation is necessary to determine the underlying cause of eosinophilia.”