Gene validation of mesothelioma NanoString study (360G-Wellcome-211582_Z_18_Z)

Mesothelioma immunotherapy is in an experimental phase, and the main question is how to identify patients who are most likely to benefit from this treatment. To apply individualised treatment plans successfully, we need a better understanding of the tumour microenvironment. There is relatively little known about the immune signature and T cell homing in mesothelioma. The hypothesis is that patients, with higher frequencies of activated T cells in the tumour tissue respond better to a cancer vaccine. Preclinical studies show that L-selectin and its ligands on high endothelial venules (HEV) promote homing to the tumour tissue and improve immunotherapy. Analysis of Nanostring data from 24 patient samples for over 770 genes, will determine if L-selectin and HEV can be used to stratify mesothelioma patients for immunotherapy and will also enable us to search for other novel biomarkers. The experimental design will also inform us whether the biomarkers we identify are only predictive in immunotherapy or also applicable to patients receiving chemotherapy alone. The overall aim is to genes that are highly expressed in a current mesothelioma NanoString study using molecular biology tools. This study will identify potential pathways and ultimately a marker that is predictive of immunotherapy outcomes.