David Bhatt

David Bhatt has investigated immunotherapy combinations for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer, examining the IMpassion130 trial of atezolizumab plus nab-paclitaxel that demonstrated progression-free survival benefit specifically in PD-L1-positive (IC+) metastatic TNBC. His research has studied the complex biomarker landscape of TNBC IO response including the discordance between SP142 (atezolizumab companion diagnostic) and 22C3 (pembrolizumab companion diagnostic) PD-L1 assays that contributed to different clinical trial outcomes. He has examined why IMpassion131 substituting paclitaxel for nab-paclitaxel with atezolizumab failed to demonstrate benefit, investigating the potential immunostimulatory properties of nab-paclitaxel versus conventional paclitaxel and their interaction with anti-PD-L1 therapy. His translational work on TIL levels, immune gene expression, and BRCA/BRCAness status as predictors of IO benefit in metastatic TNBC has contributed to patient selection strategies.