Regression in basal cell carcinoma: an immunohistochemical analysis

Abstract

Spontaneous regression of some cutaneous tumours is well recognized, and is thought to result from an immunological response to the tumour. Regression has previously been noted in basal cell carcinomas, but no studies defining the role of the immune response in the regression of this malignancy have been performed. We have examined 45 primary basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) (20 nodular, 25 superficial) and identified the cellular phenotypes and activation states of the cells infiltrating primary regressing and non-regressing BCCs, by immunocytochemistry. We have found a significantly increased number of CD3+ and CD4+ T cells infiltrating regressing compared with non-regressing tumours, and the expression of interleukin-2 receptor (an early activation marker for T cells) was also increased. There were no significant differences in class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC), CD1, or macrophage antigen expression in these groups. These findings suggest that activated CD4+ cytokine-secreting cells are important in the regression of BCCs.

Tumor Stroma–Derived Wnt5a Induces Differentiation of Basal Cell Carcinoma of Ptch-Mutant Mice via CaMKII

“…The spontaneous regression of these as well as of other tumors carries a great therapeutic potential, but the knowledge of the underlying mechanisms remains very limited. In BCC, tumor regression has been associated with cells of the immune system and certain cytokines (4,5), but the understanding of this phenomenon is incomplete.…”

Facial basal cell carcinoma: Analysis of recurrence and follow-up strategies

“…Dellon et al (12) suggested that peritumoral lymphocytic infiltration may decrease the risk of recurrence influencing the regression of residual neoplastic cells. In addition, it has been hypothesized that T CD4 + lymphocytes, generally preponderant within the peritumoral inflammatory infiltrate, may induce regression through cytokine production (34). Nonetheless, in our observations, the inflammatory infiltrates were assessed with standard pathology haematoxylin-eosin staining analysis which, unlike immunohistochemical stainings, does not permit cell typization.…”

The Role of Cytokines and Chemokines in the Development of Basal Cell Carcinoma

“…Such spontaneous regression is mediated by activated CD4+ T cells, and IFN-γ is elevated in actively regressing BCC (28). There is a significantly increased number of CD4+ T cells infiltrating regressing tumors, and the expression of IL-2 receptor, which is an early activation marker for T cells is also increased (29). Abundant CD8+ T cells and interferon signal transduction is associated with partial host antitumor response (2).…”