Mast cell density in the primary tumor predicts lymph node metastases in patients with breast cancer

Abstract

Breast cancer (BrCa) is the most frequent neoplastic disease in female, with high morbidity and mortality. Most of the researches were focused on tumor cells concerning their natural evolution, molecular profile, and potential response to therapy. Few and uncertain data are available about the tumor microenvironment and its impact on the progression of the disease. Mast cells (MCs) associated to BrCa have been reported many years ago, but their real and specific role in the biology of this disease remained elusive. In the current study, we have investigated the predictive role of MCs from the primary tumor on lymph node metastasis on patients stratified based on the molecular classification. We investigated 156 patients with BrCa, stratified as luminal A, luminal B, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) type, basal-like, and unclassified. MCs were identified with anti-MC tryptase antibody in a double immunohistochemical reaction combined with anti-cluster of differentiation 34 (CD34) antibody. Mast cell density (MCD) was calculated based on the hot-spot method, on three fields with maximum density of MCs in each case. The final result was the arithmetic media that was compared with the molecular profile and lymph node metastases. We found no significant correlation between MCD and the molecular profile of the primary tumor, but we noticed a strong correlation between intratumor MCD and lymph node metastases, regardless of the molecular type.

Unveiling the role of YARS1 in bladder cancer: A prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target

“…Moreover, multifactorial COX regression analysis revealed that infiltration of CD8 + T cells and mast cells played a role as prognostic biomarkers of bladder cancer. Recent investigations have indicated that reducing the infiltration and activity of CD8 + T cells can promote resistance to immunotherapy in bladder cancer, 22 whereas mast cell density has been shown to predict lymph node metastasis in patients with breast cancer 23 . Interestingly, we observed a correlation between YARS1 expression and the degree of CD8 + T‐cell and mast cell infiltration.…”

“…Recent investigations have indicated that reducing the infiltration and activity of CD8 + T cells can promote resistance to immunotherapy in bladder cancer, 22 whereas mast cell density has been shown to predict lymph node metastasis in patients with breast cancer. 23 Interestingly, we observed a correlation between YARS1 expression and the degree of CD8 + T‐cell and mast cell infiltration. Additionally, patients with high YARS1 expression displayed a poor response to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.…”

Mast cell in infantile hemangioma

“…MCs, recognized for their involvement in allergic reactions and various physiological processes, including angiogenesis, wound healing, fibrosis, and immune regulation, have also garnered attention in the context of diseases, including tumors (6). Over a century ago, Ehrlich and Westphal reported the presence of MCs in human tumors for the first time (7). Extensive evidence suggests that MCs accumulating around tumors can either promote or inhibit tumor growth, contingent on local stromal conditions and the stage of tumorigenesis (8).…”