Biomarker analysis
tumor
DISEASE PROGRESSION, TUMOR
Exploratory studies are planned to investigate biological mechanisms of response and resistance to chemo-immunotherapy. Findings will be correlated to clinical outcome in order to identify predictive biomarkers that allow the selection of patients who benefit most likely from immunotherapy. Biopsy and surgical tumor specimens pre- and post-immunotherapy are collected, as well as in case of disease progression during follow-up. In addition, blood and urine samples are collected at baseline, during avelumab treatment, prior to surgery and during follow-up.