Analysis of Tumor Mutations and Tumor Microenvironment Using Archival Paraffin-embedded Tumor Specimens

Analysis of Tumor Mutations and Tumor Microenvironment Using Archival Paraffin-embedded Tumor Specimens

Genomic alterations have long been recognized as an important factor in tumor formation and drive tumor cell growth. However, the degree of genomic mutation (tumor mutation load, TMB) varies widely between tumors. In addition to gene mutations in tumor cells, the extent of immune cell infiltration in tumor tissues and the type and nature of immune cells (tumor microenvironment, TME) also play an important role in controlling tumor growth.

In recent years, more and more clinical studies have shown that the degree of genomic alteration (TMB) and tumor microenvironment (TME) have great potential in predicting a cancer patients' response to immunotherapy. Therefore, understanding the interaction and correlation between genomic alteration and tumor immune environment will not only deepen our understanding of tumor biology but also provide an important reference for developing immunotherapy treatment strategies for solid tumors.

This is a non-interventional, mono-centric retrospective study to be carried out in Chi Mei Medical Center (CMMC) in order to determine the association between the genomic alterations and gene expression level of immune-related genes in cancer. Samples in paraffin-embedded block of biopsies or surgical pieces (either primary tumor or metastases) will be analyzed. For each sample, clinically relevant data associated with treated cancer and needed for characterization of tumor microenvironment will be documented. No additional procedures besides those already used in the routine clinical practice will be applied to the patients. Treatment assignment will be done according to the current practice.

This trial is, through accessing to archival tumor materials, to establish the relationship between tumor mutation burden and tumor immune microenvironment for future immunotherapy strategy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Sample from patients with histologically documented cancer in target population.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unusable sample or biologically deteriorated.