Immune related biomarkers for cancer metastasis to the brain

Brain metastasis accounts for a large number of cancer-related deaths. The host immune system, involved at each step of the metastatic cascade, plays an important role in both the initiation of the brain metastasis and their treatment responses to various modalities, through either local and or systemic effect. However, few reliable immune biomarkers have been identified in predicting the development and the treatment outcome in patients with cancer brain metastasis. Here, we provide a focused perspective of immune related biomarkers for cancer metastasis to the brain and a thorough discussion of the potential utilization of specific biomarkers such as tumor mutation burden (TMB), genetic markers, circulating and tumor-infiltrating immune cells, cytokines, in predicting the brain disease progression and regression after therapeutic intervention. We hope to inspire the field to extend the research and establish practical guidelines for developing and validating immune related biomarkers to provide personalized treatment and improve treatment outcomes in patients with metastatic brain cancers. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40164-022-00349-z.