A method for characterizing tumor response to immune checkpoint blockade therapy, comprising: (i) obtaining tissue from the tumor; (ii) measuring, using the tissue, expression of one or more cell proliferation gene markers; (iii) determining, based on the measured expression of the one or more cell proliferation gene markers, a proliferation profile of the tumor; (iv) predicting, based on the determined proliferation profile, response of the tumor to immune checkpoint blockade therapy; and (v) determining, by a physician using the predicted response of the tumor to immune checkpoint blockade therapy, a therapy for the tumor.