TIM3 expression on tumor cells predicts response to anti-PD-1 therapy for renal cancer

Abstract This study aimed to identify novel prognostic biomarker for advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients treated with anti-PD-1 therapy, using quantitative multi-immunofluorescence (IF) analysis of tumor immunity. Twenty-five consecutive patients who had metastatic or unresectable RCC treated with anti-PD-1 therapy were studied. The patients were divided into a responder group (n = 12) and a non-responder group (n = 13). Quantitative multi-IF staining was performed on biopsy or surgical kidney samples using a panel of antibodies. Sections were scanned using a Mantra microscope, and the images were analyzed with inForm™ software. Responders had significantly higher rate of TIM3-positive tumor (100% versus 53.9%, p