Less correlation between mismatch repair proteins deficiency and decreased expression of HLA class I molecules in endometrial carcinoma: a different propensity from colorectal cancer

Assessment of cancer cell-expressed HLA class I molecules and their immunopathological implications

Immunotherapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has shown superior efficacy compared with conventional chemotherapy in certain cancer types, establishing immunotherapy as the fourth standard treatment alongside surgical intervention, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. In cancer immunotherapy employing ICIs, CD8-positive cytotoxic T lymphocytes are recognized as the primary effector cells. For effective clinical outcomes, it is essential that the targeted cancer cells express HLA class I molecules to present antigenic peptides derived from the tumor. However, cancer cells utilize various mechanisms to downregulate or lose HLA class I molecules from their surface, resulting in evasion from immune surveillance. Correlations between prognosis and the integrity of HLA class I molecules expressed by cancer cells have been consistently found across different types of cancer. This paper provides an overview of the regulatory mechanisms of HLA class I molecules and their role in cancer immunotherapy, with a particular emphasis on the significance of utilizing pathological tissues to evaluate HLA class I molecules expressed in cancer cells.

Application of Pelvic Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan Combined with Serum Pyruvate Kinase Isozyme M2, Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin, and Soluble Leptin Receptor Detection in Diagnosing Endometrial Carcinoma

Objective

To explore the application value of pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan combined with serum pyruvate kinase isozyme M2 (PKM2), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and soluble leptin receptor (sOB-R) detection in diagnosing endometrial carcinoma (EC).

Methods

The clinical data of 45 patients with pathologically confirmed EC treated in our hospital from May 2019 to May 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients received pelvic MRI scan, serum PKM2, NGAL and sOB-R detection was performed, and the combination of the two was performed so as to analyze the diagnostic application value of the three modalities.

Results

Compared with the joint detection, the number of true positive cases, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy rate obtained by a single application of pelvic MRI or serum PKM2, NGAL, and sOB-R detection were obviously lower; the area under the ROC curve of the joint detection was obviously larger than that of single detection; the results of the joint detection were better than those of single detection (P < 0.05); the combined diagnosis obtained the highest sensitivity.

Conclusion

Combining pelvic MRI with serum PKM2, NGAL, and sOB-4 detection can effectively promote the diagnostic accuracy for EC, presenting significant clinical diagnostic value.

Fundamental and Essential Knowledge for Pathologists Engaged in the Research and Practice of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Based Cancer Immunotherapy

Extensive research over 100 years has demonstrated that tumors can be eliminated by the autologous immune system. Without doubt, immunotherapy is now a standard treatment along with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy; however, the field of cancer immunotherapy is continuing to develop. The current challenges for the use of immunotherapy are to enhance its clinical efficacy, reduce side effects, and develop predictive biomarkers. Given that histopathological analysis provides molecular and morphological information on humans in vivo, its importance will continue to grow. This review article outlines the basic knowledge that is essential for the research and daily practice of immune checkpoint inhibitor-based cancer immunotherapy from the perspective of histopathology.