Robert M. Samstein, M.D., Ph.D.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. There have been only incremental improvements in expected long-term survival despite major immunotherapy treatment breakthroughs including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). While most of the focus in immunotherapy has been on the role of cytotoxic T-cell directly killing tumor cells, we believe that other key immune cells such as tumor-infiltrating B (TIB) cells likely play a critical role in coordinating anti-tumor immunity and response to immunotherapy. We will explore the contribution of TIB cells and how they alter tumor immunity and response to ICI. These insights will result in novel treatment strategies of B cell-promoting therapies or in combination immunotherapies to improve responses to ICI.