Lunit announced on Friday that it will unveil five studies utilizing its artificial intelligence (AI) biomarker platform, Lunit Scope, at the upcoming American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2026 conference in Chicago, starting May 29.
At this conference, Lunit will showcase multiple studies employing their immunohistochemistry (IHC)-based biomarker analysis models, including Lunit Scope HER2 and Lunit Scope IO.
The research highlights AI’s capability to precisely analyze HER2 expression levels and tumor microenvironments (TME), potentially identifying patient groups more likely to respond to immunotherapy and targeted treatments.
A key study, conducted in collaboration with Yonsei University College of Medicine, focuses on HER2-positive advanced cholangiocarcinoma. Researchers used Lunit Scope HER2 and Lunit Scope IO to analyze HER2 expression patterns and immune phenotypes (IP) in a first-line treatment clinical trial. This trial combined the HER2-targeted therapy Herceptin (trastuzumab) and the immunotherapy Opdivo (nivolumab) with chemotherapy.
The results showed an overall objective response rate (ORR) of 55% among all patients. Notably, patients with HER2 overexpression demonstrated an 80% ORR, more than doubling the 36.4% rate in the non-overexpressing group. Among patients classified as immunoactive by AI, 75% responded to treatment.
Another study on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) reveals that tumors overexpressing HER2 exhibit low immune activity, suggesting reduced responsiveness to immunotherapy. Lunit’s analysis encompassed over 2,000 slide images, evaluating both HER2 expression and TME characteristics.
Further research, including studies on rare adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) with Seoul National University Hospital and MSS metastatic colorectal cancer with Asan Medical Center, demonstrates the potential of AI-based TME analysis in predicting progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).
HER2, a protein crucial in cancer cell growth, can enhance responsiveness to specific targeted therapies when overexpressed. The tumor microenvironment (TME), comprising immune cells, blood vessels, and surrounding stroma, has emerged as a key predictor of immunotherapy efficacy.
Lunit Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Seo Beom-seok stated that at ASCO 2026, they’re presenting numerous biomarker studies using Lunit Scope’s IHC analysis products, significantly expanding its applications. Its goal is to establish Lunit Scope as the global leader in providing critical insights for drug development, clinical trial design, and patient selection.