Lay summary
Lung cancer has killed more New Zealanders than any other cancer, and is the most common cause of cancer death in Māori. Immune therapy is a new form of therapy that activates a patient’s immune system to fight lung cancer, and it can sometimes cure patients with even the most advanced disease. This study aims to discover more effective tests to predict which lung cancer patients are most likely to respond to immune therapy. It uses cutting-edge techniques we have developed that light up many different cells and molecules in small samples of cancer tissue, so their patterns can be analysed digitally. Comparing these patterns with patients’ responses to immune therapy will enable us to target immune therapy to the patients most likely to benefit in future. The project will help make the most of the limited resources within our health system, and contribute to reducing health inequities for Māori.