New research from VIB-KU Leuven reveals that natural killer (NK) cells may hinder immune checkpoint blockade efficacy in melanoma by excluding CD8 T cells from tumors. Agenus and Noetik collaborate to predict biomarkers enhancing immuno-oncology treatments via virtual cell modeling. Rare pancreatic cancer patients show unprecedented responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors without chemotherapy, extending survival outcomes. Advances in understanding tumor microenvironment cytokines and lipid-sensing receptors from European Association for Cancer Research shed light on resistance mechanisms. These studies refine immunotherapy strategies and biomarker-driven personalized cancer care.