Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes Predict Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients with Breast Carcinoma

Abstract

Tumor-infiltrating leukocytes and other immunohistochemical parameters were evaluated in pretherapeutic biopsies and resection specimens in 73 patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy with doxorubicin and paclitaxel. Ten patients with pathological complete response had significantly higher p53 expression, CD3(+) lymphocyte and CD83(+) cell counts, and lower progesterone receptor expression. In the remaining 63 patients, a significant decrease in the percentage of Ki-67, vascular endothelial growth factor expression, CD68(+) monocytes, and increased CD31(+), CD34(+), and SMA(+) stromal vessels, maximal CD3(+) and CD56(+) lymphocyte, maximal and mean CD83(+) cell, maximal CD1a(+), and maximal and mean S100(+) cell counts were observed after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Neopterin as a biomarker of immune response in cancer patients

“…Across a spectrum of different solid tumors it has been demonstrated that the presence of TIL is associated with better prognosis (15,16). In addition, in some tumors, e.g., breast cancer, TIL are predictive of response to therapy (17)(18)(19). Preoperative (neoadjuvant) chemotherapy is frequently administered in patients with breast cancer, presenting with a unique opportunity to examine the interaction between the immune system and host response.…”

“…Preoperative (neoadjuvant) chemotherapy is frequently administered in patients with breast cancer, presenting with a unique opportunity to examine the interaction between the immune system and host response. It has been demonstrated that TIL are among the most significant biomarkers predicting pathological complete response, i.e., complete disappearance of tumor cells after the therapy (18)(19)(20).…”

Novel Therapeutic Approaches for Neuroblastoma

“…In many adult cancers the presence of significant numbers of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, potentially represents the host immune response against the tumor and is associated with improved prognosis [78][79][80]. In neuroblastoma, Martin et al [81] suggested a correlation between lymphocyte infiltration and improved survival, although these data are confounded by tumor grade since lymphocytic infiltrates were seen more frequently in low grade, differentiating tumors.…”

Tumor biomarkers: PSA and beyond

“…Among the number of other factors responsible for the effi cacy of cytotoxic agents in patients with solid tumors, the immune response may play an important role. For example, the presence of tumorinfi ltrating lymphocytes has been associated with response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer (44) . More studies need to be done before patient selection based on genetic polymorphisms or parameters of immune response could enter clinical practice.…”