T Cell Determinants of Response and Resistance to PD-1 Blockade in Richter's Transformation

Despite advances in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the transformation of CLL to an aggressive lymphoma, or Richter's transformation (RT), remains a clinical challenge, as it responds poorly to standard therapies and shortens survival. Recent studies demonstrate that RT, but not underlying CLL, responds to PD-1 checkpoint blockade (CPB) with an overall response rate of 43-65%. Given the central role of T cells in anti-tumor...