Spatial and single-cell omics propel precision biomarker discovery in tumor immunotherapy, review finds

Tumor immunotherapy has dramatically improved outcomes for patients with advanced malignancies. However, low response rates, unpredictable immune-related adverse events (irAEs), and high inter-patient heterogeneity remain major clinical challenges. Traditional bulk profiling fails to resolve the spatial complexity and cellular diversity within the tumor microenvironment (TME), limiting the discovery of robust predictive biomarkers.

In a new review published in LabMed Discovery, researchers from Zhu Ji’s team at Zhejiang Cancer Hospital summarize cutting-edge applications of spatial transcriptomics and single-cell omics in biomarker discovery for tumor immunotherapy. The article discusses major platforms and computational tools that enable high-dimensional deconstruction of TME architecture and intercellular communication.

Through representative case studies in NSCLC, melanoma, and glioblastoma, the review highlights how spatially resolved markers—such as CXCL9⁺ macrophage niches or LAG3⁺ T cell exclusion zones—can guide immunotherapy decisions. It also emphasizes translational prospects in predicting irAE risk, designing combinatory regimens, and integrating spatial markers into clinical trials.

This article provides a theoretical framework and practical insight for applying multi-omic strategies to precisely identify immunotherapy-sensitive subgroups. It advocates embedding spatially resolved biomarkers into the next generation of clinical oncology.