Case of complete response to immunotherapy in MMR-deficient prostate cancer associated with NK-like and CD4⁺CD8⁺ T cells.

Abstract

Mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) and microsatellite instability (MSI-H) are rare in prostate cancer, occurring in 2%-4% of cases. These defects result in increased genomic instability and elevated tumor mutational burden (TMB), which can support responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Here, we report a patient with locally advanced Gleason 5 + 5 = 10 prostatic adenocarcinoma harboring MSH2 and MSH6 genomic deletions with ultrahigh TMB (>250 mutations/megabase) in whom pembrolizumab resulted in a striking complete radiographic, pathologic, and molecular response. Using digital-spatial microscopy, single-cell RNA/T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing, and multiplex cytometry, we identify atypical tumor-infiltrating T cells with natural killer-like phenotypes and CD4⁺CD8⁺ (double-positive) lymphocytes. These clonal T cell populations expand preferentially following ICI and adopt terminally differentiated and cytotoxic profiles that may drive clinical response. Similar T cells are also present in diverse cancers and expand exclusively in ICI-responsive patients. These findings inform on the cellular mechanisms by which immunotherapies may mediate profound responses in patients with dMMR solid tumors.