Programmed cell death 1 as prognostic marker and therapeutic target in upper gastrointestinal cancers

Gastrointestinal (GIs) cancers are among the most common causes of cancer related death, and hence importance for identification novel prognostic/predictive biomarkers detection patients at an early stage, using these to identify targeted therapies improve efficacy existing chemotherapeutic regimens. Programmed cell death 1 has been reported as a potential target in several malignancies, targeting agents being developed, some already approved by FDA, such as: pembrolizumab, Atezolizumab, Nivolumab. Pembrolizumab that have treatment metastatic non-small lung cancer. Here we provide overview mechanism action PD-1/PD-L1, prognostic value current progress clinical trials PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, resistant mechanisms underlie inhibitory effect gastrointestinal cancers.