Association between HLA-DRB1*04:05 and the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors for patients with advanced cancer - Report - MDSpire

Association between HLA-DRB1*04:05 and the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors for patients with advanced cancer

  • By

  • Mayu Watanabe

  • Jun Eguchi

  • Atsushi Takamoto

  • Jun Wada

  • June 10, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Link Between HLA-DRB1*04:05 and ICI Effectiveness

Overview

This study investigates the association between HLA-DRB1*04:05 and treatment outcomes in patients with advanced malignancies receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Findings indicate that DRB1*04:05 positivity correlates with significantly shorter progression-free survival (PFS) compared to DRB1*04:05 negativity.

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer treatment by enhancing the immune system's ability to target tumor cells. However, the efficacy of ICIs can vary among patients, necessitating the identification of biomarkers that predict treatment outcomes. Understanding the role of genetic factors, particularly HLA class II alleles, may provide insights into the mechanisms underlying ICI efficacy and associated adverse events.

Data Highlights

GroupMedian PFS (months)95% CIEventsCensored Events
DRB1*04:05 Positive21.214–2.786311
DRB1*04:05 Negative31.933–4.067568

Key Findings

  • DRB1*04:05 positivity is associated with a median PFS of 2 months.
  • DRB1*04:05 negativity is associated with a median PFS of 3 months.
  • The difference in PFS between DRB1*04:05 positive and negative groups is statistically significant (log rank p=0.045).
  • DRB1*04:05 is independently associated with shorter PFS in multivariable Cox regression analysis.
  • HLA class II alleles may influence treatment outcomes through their effects on immune regulation.

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest that HLA-DRB1*04:05 may serve as a prognostic biomarker for patients undergoing ICI therapy. Clinicians should consider HLA genotyping in advanced cancer patients to better predict treatment outcomes and tailor therapeutic strategies accordingly.

Conclusion

Highlight the importance of validating findings in larger, more diverse cohorts.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Oncology, 2026 -- Association between HLA-DRB1*04:05 and the Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Patients with Advanced Cancer
  2. Frontiers in Oncology, 2026 -- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: efficacy, safety, and biomarkers - a systematic review
  3. The ASCO Post, 2024 -- Study May Illuminate Cause of Common Checkpoint Inhibitor Adverse Effect
  4. The ASCO Post — Activity of T Cells in Metastatic Melanoma Resistant to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Treatment
  5. The ASCO Post — Activity of T Cells in Metastatic Melanoma Resistant to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Treatment
  6. Consensus-based disease definitions for endocrine immune-related adverse events of immune checkpoint inhibitors
  7. Management, biomarkers and prognosis in people developing endocrinopathies associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors
  8. Frontiers | Association between HLA-DRB1*04:05 and the Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Patients with Advanced Cancer
  9. Risk and Incidence of Endocrine Immune-Related Adverse Effects Under Checkpoint Inhibitor Mono- or Combination Therapy in Solid Tumors | Endocrine Society
  10. Immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-like syndrome: A descriptive systematic review - PMC
  11. Immune-Related Adverse Events of Checkpoint Inhibitors and Human Leukocyte Antigen System: A Review - PubMed
  12. The incidence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and their association with clinical outcomes in advanced renal cell carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: A systematic review and meta-analysis - ScienceDirect
  13. Clinical and translational attributes of immune-related adverse events | Nature Cancer

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