Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer immunotherapy, yet their efficacy varies widely across individuals. Emerging evidence suggests that systemic metabolic and endocrine factors, such as serum cortisol, thyroid hormones, vitamin D, and iron status, exert significant influence on immune activation and tumor microenvironment. Glucocorticoids, for example, can suppress dendritic cell maturation and T-cell activation through the inhibition of NF-κB and AP-1 pathways, potentially impairing ICI efficacy. Similarly, malnutrition-related hypoalbuminemia and micronutrient deficiencies can compromise cytokine signaling and reduce CD8⁺ T-cell cytotoxicity, thereby weakening anti-tumor immunity. Additionally, thyroid dysfunction and altered lipid metabolism have been associated with immune-related adverse events (irAEs), suggesting a bidirectional link between hormonal/nutritional states and immune regulation. A better understanding of these host factors could help stratify patients who will benefit from ICI therapy, enhance precision oncology, and enable pre-emptive interventions to optimize outcomes.

The goal of this Research Topic is to elucidate the predictive and mechanistic roles of hormonal and nutritional biomarkers in modulating immune checkpoint inhibitor responses, and to explore strategies to integrate these host factors into clinical decision-making frameworks.

We Welcome submission including but not limited to the following subtopics:

-The impact of glucocorticoids, thyroid hormones, and sex hormones on ICI efficacy and toxicity.

-Nutritional biomarkers (albumin, vitamin D, trace elements) as predictors of ICI response.

-Mechanistic studies on how malnutrition or endocrine dysregulation modulates tumor immune microenvironment.

-The relationship between metabolic syndrome and immune checkpoint blockade outcomes.

-Hormone and nutrition-based prognostic models for ICI-treated patients.

-Interventional studies on correcting hormonal or nutritional deficiencies to improve immunotherapy efficacy.

-Interaction of microbiome-derived metabolites with host nutritional or endocrine status in the context of ICIs.

-Integration of hormonal and nutritional panels into real-world clinical algorithms and predictive scoring systems.

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Hormonal and Nutritional Biomarkers in Predicting Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors