Michel Obeid

Pr. Michel Obeid has made a profound impact in the field of immuno-oncology, significantly advancing our understanding of the immunotoxicity pathogenesis, the management of immune-related adverse events (irAEs), and their interplay with the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).

KEY CONTRIBUTIONS AND INNOVATIONS

• Biomarker Development in Cancer Immunotherapy: Pr. Obeid has been instrumental in developing circulating biomarkers that predict the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and the severity of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). His pioneering research elucidated the coupling between irAEs and ICI efficacy within specific immune patient clusters, leading to the identification of new circulating markers that link these adverse events to treatment efficacy. This work has informed therapeutic strategies aimed at effectively decoupling these processes. Recently, his research identified biomarkers capable of distinguishing cytokine release syndrome (CRS) from true sepsis during ICI therapy. Additionally, he discovered new markers that are more robust than conventional HScore biomarkers in predicting high-grade CRS, including hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH).
• IL-6R Blockade Therapy: Pr. Obeid was the first to propose the innovative use of IL-6R blockade therapy for managing severe irAEs such as immunotherapy-related hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (irHLH), ICI-related myocarditis, and ICI-related cholangio-hepatitis. These strategies have significantly reduced mortality associated with these life-threatening conditions and have led to the development of personalized treatment protocols for steroid-refractory irAEs.
• Secondary Prophylaxis Strategy: Pr. Obeid implemented the first secondary prophylaxis strategy to resume ICI therapy after ICI-related arthritis. This approach reduced the duration between ICI interruption and resumption and significantly increased the duration of ICI treatment after rechallenge, thereby radically improving patient care.
• Imaging Innovations: Pr. Obeid has participated in the development of new imaging strategies for diagnosing ICI-related myocarditis, enhancing the accuracy and early detection of this serious condition.
• CAR T-Cell Therapy: Pr. Obeid was among the first to identify variations in the CAR T-cell phenotype during treatment, facilitating the discovery of novel cellular markers correlated with CAR T-cell efficacy and associated toxicities. This pioneering work has paved the way for more personalized approaches to CAR T-cell therapy.
• Vaccine and Immunology: Pr. Obeid's research identified, for the first time, the potential for a new vaccination approach against the malaria liver stage through immunity primed entirely in the skin, opening the door to new clinical applications.
• Immunogenic Cell Death (ICD): His early research on the molecular characterization of tumor immunogenic cell death (ICD), particularly related to the translocation of calreticulin and ERP57, led to numerous chemoimmunotherapy combinations that enhance ICI therapies. This groundbreaking work was recognized by the French Science Academy as one of the most advanced French research achievements in biology.

LEADERSHIP ANDGUIDELINES

• International guidelines. Pr. Obeid has co-authored the new ESMO guidelines for managing cancer immunotherapy-related toxicities and the SITC consortium for the development of guidelines on the management of late and chronic irAEs.
• LCIT Founding: He was instrumental in the establishment of LCIT, Europe's first center dedicated to managing cancer immunotherapy side effects.

PATENTS

• Pr. Obeid holds over 15 patents in the field.

ACADEMICANDPROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

• Pr. Obeid received his medical degree and Ph.D. from the Universities of Paris Descartes and Paris Orsay, earning a 'très honorable distinction' for his doctoral work at the Institut Gustave Roussy.
• He completed his clinical training at renowned institutions such as Dana/Farber Cancer Institute and MD Anderson Cancer Center, and in Switzerland, where he also obtained his FMH in clinical immunology and allergy.
• At INSERM, Paris, he significantly contributed as a post-doctoral fellow and young research associate.
• In 2024, Pr. Obeid was appointed as an associate professor at the University of Lausanne.

Pr. Obeid’s extensive portfolio and dedication to immuno-oncology have positioned him as a leader in transforming cancer immunotherapy practices.