SNPs associated with prognosis of lung cancer was mapped to POLE.

POLE mutation represents an uncommon phenotype in non-small-cell lung cancer; may represent a candidate biomarker for response to immunotherapy

Study demonstrated the distinct prognostic values of POLE mutation and PD-L1 expression in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). Importantly, the combination of POLE mutation and PD-L1 expression as a favorable indicator for improved OS of LUAD patients and the activation of antitumor immune system.

Study demonstrated that high POLE expression associated with increased cell proliferation, somatic hypermutation, and elevated endogenous retroviruses (REV) expression produced a favorable prognosis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). High POLE expression could enhance recruitment of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes through hypermutation and/or ERVs rather than effects on cell proliferation.