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Zhu J, Lu H, Wang K, Liu B, Yan J. Tertiary lymphoid structures in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Transl Oncol 2024; 44:101949. [PMID: 38583352 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.101949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common malignancy worldwide. Smoking, drinking, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are the main risk factors. Early-stage patients can benefit from radical surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, but the prognosis of locally advanced, recurrent, or metastatic patients is poor. Programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1) inhibitor significantly prolongs the survival of these patients, but only about 20 % of the population can benefit significantly. Exploring effective predictive indicators of immunotherapy efficacy and new therapeutic targets is necessary. Tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) is an ectopic lymphoid organ formed in non-lymphoid tissues, which usually occurs in chronic inflammation including autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and tumors. The structure and function of TLS are similar to those of secondary lymphoid organs. The existence of TLS is closely related to the favorable prognosis and immune response of patients. This article will review the formation, prognosis, and predictive value of TLS as well as inducing TLS neogenesis in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Hui Lu
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Kongcheng Wang
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Baorui Liu
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, PR China; Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, PR China.
| | - Jing Yan
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, PR China; Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, PR China.
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2
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Pakkanen P, Ilmarinen T, Halme E, Irjala H, Koivunen P, Pukkila M, Ventelä S, Almangush A, Birkman EM, Lindgren O, Pohjolainen V, Sjöblom N, Haglund C, Hagström J, Aaltonen LM. Programmed death-ligand 1 and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) - low TIL density may predict poorer long-term prognosis in T1 laryngeal cancer. Virchows Arch 2023:10.1007/s00428-023-03586-7. [PMID: 37462760 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-023-03586-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated the prognostic role of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in T1 glottic laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). T1 glottic LSCC patients (n = 174) treated at five Finnish university hospitals between 2003 and 2013 were included. Tissue microarray (TMA) blocks were used for PD-L1 immunohistochemistry. TILs were scored from intratumoral and stromal regions in whole tissue sections. Of 174 patients, 92 (53%) had negative, 66 (38%) intermediate, and 16 (9%) high PD-L1 levels. Of 80 patients whose TILs were analyzed, 50 (63%) had low and 30 (38%) high stromal TIL density. Patients with a local recurrence or a new primary tumor of the larynx had lower TIL density than had other patients (p = 0.047). High PD-L1 expression with low stromal TIL density was associated with inferior 5-year disease-specific survival (85% vs. 100%, p = 0.02). In conclusion, in patients treated for T1 glottic LSCC, low stromal TIL density was associated with local recurrences and new primary tumors of the larynx. High PD-L1 expression with low stromal TIL density may be associated with worse survival in T1 glottic LSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pihla Pakkanen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Taru Ilmarinen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Elina Halme
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Tampere and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Heikki Irjala
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Petri Koivunen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Matti Pukkila
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sami Ventelä
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Alhadi Almangush
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eva-Maria Birkman
- Department of Pathology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Outi Lindgren
- Department of Pathology, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Virva Pohjolainen
- Fimlab Laboratories, Department of Pathology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Nelli Sjöblom
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Caj Haglund
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaana Hagström
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Oral Pathology and Radiology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Leena-Maija Aaltonen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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Alessandrini L, Astolfi L, Daloiso A, Sbaraglia M, Mondello T, Zanoletti E, Franz L, Marioni G. Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Therapeutic Role for Angiogenesis Markers in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10733. [PMID: 37445908 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite refinements to diagnostic and therapeutic approaches over the last two decades, the outcome of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has not shown substantial improvements, especially regarding those with advanced-stage disease. Angiogenesis is believed to be a turning point in the development of solid tumors, being a premise for mass growth and potential distant dissemination. Cancer-induced angiogenesis is a result of increased expression of angiogenic factors, decreased expression of anti-angiogenic factors, or a combination of both. The assessment of angiogenesis has also emerged as a potentially useful biological prognostic and predictive factor in HNSCC. The aim of this review is to assess the level of current knowledge on the neo-angiogenesis markers involved in the biology, behavior, and prognosis of HNSCC. A search (between 1 January 2012 and 10 October 2022) was run in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases. After full-text screening and application of inclusion/exclusion criteria, 84 articles are included. The current knowledge and debate on angiogenesis in HNSCC presented in the eligible articles are stratified as follows: (i) diagnostic markers; (ii) prognostic markers; (iii) predictive markers; and (iv) markers with a potential therapeutic role. Angiogenesis is a biological and pathological indicator of malignancies progression and has negative implications in prognosis of some solid tumors; several signals capable of tripping the "angiogenic switch" have also been identified in HNSCC. Although several studies suggested that antiangiogenic agents might be a valuable adjunct to conventional chemo-radiation of HNSCC, their long-term therapeutic value remains uncertain. Further investigations are required on combinations of antiangiogenic agents with conventional chemotherapeutic ones, immunotherapeutic and molecularly targeted agents in HNSCC. Additional data are necessary to pinpoint which patients could benefit most from these treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Alessandrini
- Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy
| | - Laura Astolfi
- Bioacustic Research Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience (DNS), University of Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy
| | - Antonio Daloiso
- Otolaryngology Section, Department of Neuroscience (DNS), University of Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy
| | - Marta Sbaraglia
- Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy
| | - Tiziana Mondello
- Otolaryngology Section, Department of Neuroscience (DNS), University of Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Zanoletti
- Otolaryngology Section, Department of Neuroscience (DNS), University of Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy
| | - Leonardo Franz
- Otolaryngology Section, Department of Neuroscience (DNS), University of Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy
- Phoniatrics and Audiology Unit, Department of Neuroscience (DNS), University of Padova, 31100 Treviso, Italy
- Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Innovation in Clinical Research and Methodology (PhD Program), Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25100 Brescia, Italy
| | - Gino Marioni
- Phoniatrics and Audiology Unit, Department of Neuroscience (DNS), University of Padova, 31100 Treviso, Italy
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Liang H, Zhang Z, Guan Z, Zheng S, Lou J, Liu W, Cai Q, Si Y. Follicle-like tertiary lymphoid structures: A potential biomarker for prognosis and immunotherapy response in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1096220. [PMID: 36776859 PMCID: PMC9912937 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1096220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The maturity and spatial distribution of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) vary dynamically within and between cancers, leading to a controversial role in cancer. We aimed to develop a simple morphology-based approach to identify the maturity of TLSs in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and examine their clinically relevant functional role. Methods TLSs were identified based on morphological features via hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and the accuracy was verified by multi-immunohistochemical analysis. The density, maturity, spatial distribution and prognostic value of TLSs were separately analyzed in two human laryngeal cancer cohorts. The TLS profile was linked to RNA-seq data from the TCGA database to perform bioinformatics analysis. Results TLSs can be classified as early TLSs (E-TLSs), primary follicle-like TLSs (PFL-TLSs) and secondary follicle-like TLSs (SFL-TLSs). The three types of TLSs showed higher infiltration in the extratumoral region. XCL2 is a vital chemokine in the maturation and infiltration of TLSs. FL-TLS was an independent positive prognostic indicator in laryngeal cancer. The FL-TLS group had more abundant immune cell infiltration and a better response to immunotherapies than the non-FL-TLS group. Functional analysis showed that the non-FL-TLS group was enriched in tumor invasion, metastasis and immunosuppression pathways. Conclusion The maturity of TLSs can be accurately classified by H&E staining. FL-TLS is a potential mediator of antitumor immunity in human laryngeal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haifeng Liang
- Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhigang Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhong Guan
- Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shibie Zheng
- Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jintao Lou
- Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Cai
- Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Si
- Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Jiang S, Li X, Huang L, Xu Z, Lin J. Prognostic value of PD-1, PD-L1 and PD-L2 deserves attention in head and neck cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:988416. [PMID: 36119046 PMCID: PMC9478105 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.988416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer has high heterogeneity with poor prognosis, and emerging researches have been focusing on the prognostic markers of head and neck cancer. PD-L1 expression is an important basis for strategies of immunosuppressive treatment, but whether it has prognostic value is still controversial. Although meta-analysis on PD-L1 expression versus head and neck cancer prognosis has been performed, the conclusions are controversial. Since PD-L1 and PD-L2 are two receptors for PD-1, here we summarize and analyze the different prognostic values of PD-1, PD-L1, and PD-L2 in head and neck cancer in the context of different cell types, tissue localization and protein forms. We propose that for head and neck cancer, the risk warning value of PD-1/PD-L1 expression in precancerous lesions is worthy of attention, and the prognostic value of PD-L1 expression at different subcellular levels as well as the judgment convenience of prognostic value of PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2 should be fully considered. The PD-L1 evaluation systems established based on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are not fully suitable for the evaluation of PD-L1 prognosis in head and neck cancer. It is necessary to establish a new PD-L1 evaluation system based on the prognosis for further explorations. The prognostic value of PD-L1, PD-L2 expression in head and neck cancer may be different for early-stage and late-stage samples, and further stratification is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqing Jiang
- Department of Comprehensive Chemotherapy/Head and Neck Cancer, Hunan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Pain Management and Anesthesiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lihua Huang
- Center for Experimental Medicine, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhensheng Xu
- Department of Oncologic Chemotheraphy, Affiliated Haikou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Haikou, China
- *Correspondence: Zhensheng Xu, ; Jinguan Lin,
| | - Jinguan Lin
- Department of Comprehensive Chemotherapy/Head and Neck Cancer, Hunan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Zhensheng Xu, ; Jinguan Lin,
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6
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Alessandrini L, Franz L, Sbaraglia M, Saccardo T, Cappello F, Drigo A, Frigo AC, Marioni G. Tumor-Stroma Ratio and Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 Expression in Preoperative Biopsy and Matched Laryngeal Carcinoma Surgical Specimen. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23148053. [PMID: 35887397 PMCID: PMC9319127 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23148053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) seems to rely on close relations between neoplastic and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Tumor to stroma ratio (TSR) has been associated with prognosis in different malignancies. The aims of this exploratory investigation were to analyze for the first time the: (i) association between TSR, PD-L1 expression and other clinical−pathological features in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) biopsies and paired surgical specimens; (ii) prognostic and predictive role of TSR and PD-L1. TSR, PD-L1 expression (in terms of combined positive score [CPS]), and other clinical−pathological features were analyzed in biopsies and surgical specimens of 43 consecutive LSCC cases. A CPS < 1 evaluated on surgical specimens was associated with a low TSR (stroma rich) on both biopsies and surgical specimens (p = 0.0143 and p = 0.0063). Low TSR showed a significant negative prognostic value when evaluated on both biopsies and surgical specimens (HR = 8.808, p = 0.0003 and HR = 11.207, p = 0.0002). CPS ≥ 1 appeared to be a favorable prognostic factor (HR = 0.100, p = 0.0265). The association between bioptic and surgical specimen TSR and PD-L1 expression should be further investigated for a potential impact on targeted treatments, also with regard to immunotherapeutic protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Alessandrini
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.A.); (M.S.); (F.C.)
| | - Leonardo Franz
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, Otolaryngology Section, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.F.); (T.S.); (A.D.)
- Guided Therapeutics (GTx) Program International Scholar, University Health Network (UHN), Toronto, ON M5G2C4, Canada
| | - Marta Sbaraglia
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.A.); (M.S.); (F.C.)
| | - Tommaso Saccardo
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, Otolaryngology Section, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.F.); (T.S.); (A.D.)
| | - Filippo Cappello
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.A.); (M.S.); (F.C.)
| | - Alessandro Drigo
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, Otolaryngology Section, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.F.); (T.S.); (A.D.)
| | - Anna Chiara Frigo
- Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy;
| | - Gino Marioni
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, Otolaryngology Section, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.F.); (T.S.); (A.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-049-821-2029
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Franz L, Alessandrini L, Calvanese L, Crosetta G, Frigo AC, Marioni G. Angiogenesis, programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and immune microenvironment association in laryngeal carcinoma. Pathology 2021; 53:844-851. [PMID: 33994172 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2021.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In the specific field of laryngeal carcinoma (LSCC), evidence about the interaction between angiogenetic pathway and immune microenvironment has not yet been explored. Given the potential relevance of such an interaction for prognostic and therapeutic purposes, the main aim of this exploratory study was to investigate the existence of a correlation between angiogenesis (quantified through CD31 expression), programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, and immune microenvironment. A secondary aim was to verify whether considering a combination of angiogenesis and immune microenvironment variables might improve prognostic accuracy compared to the traditional clinical-pathological prognostic tools. CD31-assessed micro-vessel density (MVD), PD-L1 in terms of combined positive score (CPS), and tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were assessed on 45 consecutive cases of LSCC. Cox proportional hazards model revealed increasing CD31-assessed MVD values, PD-L1 CPS <1, and TILs count rate <30%, as predictive of reduced disease free survival (DFS). Multivariate analysis found that MVD (p<0.0001) and TILs (p=0.0420) retained their significant independent prognostic value. Spearman's correlation model disclosed a significant negative correlation between CD31-assessed MVD values and PD-L1 CPS (p=0.0040). PD-L1 CPS and TILs count rate were positively correlated (p<0.0001). DFS was significantly lower in the CD31-assessed MVD >7, PD-L1 CPS <1, TILs <30% group than in the MVD ≤7, PD-L1 CPS ≥1, TILs ≥30% group (p=0.0001). These data preliminarily support an integrated interpretation of the prognostic role or angiogenesis and immune microenvironment markers in LSCC. This is of potential clinical relevance suggesting a synergistic effect of the combination of anti-angiogenic drugs with programmed death-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors in advanced LSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Franz
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, Otolaryngology Section, Padova University, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Leonardo Calvanese
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, Otolaryngology Section, Padova University, Padova, Italy
| | - Giulia Crosetta
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, Otolaryngology Section, Padova University, Padova, Italy
| | - Anna Chiara Frigo
- Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Padova University, Padova, Italy
| | - Gino Marioni
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, Otolaryngology Section, Padova University, Padova, Italy.
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Rodrigo JP, Sánchez-Canteli M, López F, Wolf GT, Hernández-Prera JC, Williams MD, Willems SM, Franchi A, Coca-Pelaz A, Ferlito A. Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in the Tumor Microenvironment of Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9050486. [PMID: 33925205 PMCID: PMC8145951 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) in the tumor microenvironment has been demonstrated to be of prognostic value in various cancers. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we investigated the prognostic value of TIL in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). We performed a systematic search in PubMed for publications that investigated the prognostic value of TIL in LSCC. A meta-analysis was performed including all studies assessing the association between TIL counts in hematoxylin-eosin (HE)-stained sections, for CD8+ and/or CD3+/CD4+ TIL and overall survival (OS) or disease-free survival (DFS). The pooled meta-analysis showed a favorable prognostic role for stromal TIL in HE sections for OS (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.36–0.91, p = 0.02), and for DFS (HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.34–0.94, p = 0.03). High CD8+ TIL were associated with a prolonged OS (HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.4–0.97, p = 0.04) and DFS (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.34–0.94, p = 0.002). High CD3+/CD4+ TIL demonstrated improved OS (HR 0.32, 95% CI 0.16–0.9, p = 0.03) and DFS (HR 0.23, 95% CI 0.10–0.53, p = 0.0005). This meta-analysis confirmed the favorable prognostic significance of TIL in LSCC. High stromal TIL evaluated in HE sections and intra-tumoral and stromal CD3+, CD4+ and/or CD8+ TIL might predict a better clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan P. Rodrigo
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias-Instituto de Salud del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain; (M.S.-C.); (F.L.); (A.C.-P.)
- IUOPA-University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Mario Sánchez-Canteli
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias-Instituto de Salud del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain; (M.S.-C.); (F.L.); (A.C.-P.)
- IUOPA-University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando López
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias-Instituto de Salud del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain; (M.S.-C.); (F.L.); (A.C.-P.)
- IUOPA-University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gregory T. Wolf
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | | | - Michelle D. Williams
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Stefan M. Willems
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Alessandro Franchi
- Department of Translational Research, School of Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Andrés Coca-Pelaz
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias-Instituto de Salud del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain; (M.S.-C.); (F.L.); (A.C.-P.)
- IUOPA-University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfio Ferlito
- Coordinator of the International Head and Neck Scientific Group, 35125 Padua, Italy;
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N J, J T, Sl N, Gt B. Tertiary lymphoid structures and B lymphocytes in cancer prognosis and response to immunotherapies. Oncoimmunology 2021; 10:1900508. [PMID: 33854820 PMCID: PMC8018489 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.1900508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) are ectopic cellular aggregates that resemble secondary lymphoid organs in their composition and structural organization. In contrast to secondary lymphoid organs, TLS are not imprinted during embryogenesis but are formed in non-lymphoid tissues in response to local inflammation. TLS structures exhibiting a variable degree of maturation are found in solid tumors. They are composed of various immune cell types including dendritic cells and antigen-specific B and T lymphocytes, that together, actively drive the immune response against tumor development and progression. This review highlights the successive steps leading to tumor TLS formation and its association with clinical outcomes. We discuss the role played by tumor-infiltrating B lymphocytes and plasma cells, their prognostic value in solid tumors and immunotherapeutic responses and their potential for future targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacquelot N
- Immunology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Tellier J
- Immunology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Nutt Sl
- Immunology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Belz Gt
- Immunology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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PD-L1 Testing and Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: A Multicenter Study on the Diagnostic Reproducibility of Different Protocols. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13020292. [PMID: 33466794 PMCID: PMC7830149 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The introduction of therapies with immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the programmed cell death protein 1 and its ligand (PD-L1) axis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma prompted the need of reliable bio-selectors to stratify patients that would benefit from these treatments. The assessment of PD-L1 expression through immunohistochemistry represents the most widely used method to perform this task, being recently approved by regulatory authorities. However, borrowing from previous experiences in lung cancer, the heterogeneity of antibodies and platforms used in the routine clinical practice requires a strict multi-institutional harmonization effort. In this setting, the present study is aimed to assess the performances of different PD-L1 staining protocols and the inter-observer reliability for its interpretation. Abstract Immune checkpoint inhibitors for blocking the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) axis are now available for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) in relapsing and/or metastatic settings. In this work, we compared the resulting combined positive score (CPS) of PD-L1 using alternative methods adopted in routine clinical practice and determined the level of diagnostic agreement and inter-observer reliability in this setting. The study applied 5 different protocols on 40 tissue microarrays from HNSCC. The error rate of the individual protocols ranged from a minimum of 7% to a maximum of 21%, the sensitivity from 79% to 96%, and the specificity from 50% to 100%. In the intermediate group (1 ≤ CPS < 20), the majority of errors consisted of an underestimation of PD-L1 expression. In strong expressors, 5 out of 14 samples (36%) were correctly evaluated by all the protocols, but no protocol was able to correctly identify all the “strong expressors”. The overall inter-observer agreement in PD-L1 CPS reached 87%. The inter-observer reliability was moderate, with an ICC of 0.774 (95% CI (0.651; 0.871)). In conclusion, our study showed moderate interobserver reliability among different protocols. In order to improve the performances, adequate specific training to evaluate PD-L1 by CPS in the HNSCC setting should be coordinated.
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Franz L, Alessandrini L, Fasanaro E, Gaudioso P, Carli A, Nicolai P, Marioni G. Prognostic impact of neutrophils-to-lymphocytes ratio (NLR), PD-L1 expression, and tumor immune microenvironment in laryngeal cancer. Ann Diagn Pathol 2020; 50:151657. [PMID: 33189034 DOI: 10.1016/j.anndiagpath.2020.151657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In laryngeal carcinoma (LSCC), tumor immune microenvironment is attracting increasing interest, given the recent progresses in immunotherapy. Immune cells migrate to tumors as a result of a tumor antigen-induced immune reaction and cancer cells recruit immune regulatory cells to induce an immunosuppressive network, resulting in the escape from host immunity. This interaction reflects both on tumor microenvironment and systemic inflammatory status. Blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), reflecting a highly pro-inflammatory status, has been related to worse oncological survival outcomes. The aim of this study was to analyze in LSCC the relationship between circulating inflammatory cells (also in terms of NLR) and tumor immune microenvironment histopathological features (programmed cell death ligand 1 [PD-L1] expression, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes [TILs]), also investigating their clinical-pathological and prognostic significance. METHODS Blood pre-operative NLR, and, at pathology, PD-L1 (in terms of combined positive score [CPS]) and TILs were assessed on 60 consecutive cases of LSCC. RESULTS Blood NLR, neutrophils, and lymphocytes counts showed a significant value in predicting DFS and recurrence risk. Moreover, PD-L1 CPS ≥ 1 and TILs count rate ≥30% were associated with higher disease-free survival (DFS) and reduced recurrence risk. A logistic regression model found a significant positive association between increasing NLR values, and PD-L1 CPS < 1 and TILs count rate <30%. CONCLUSIONS Further studies are needed to better characterize the role of pre-operative blood NLR in association with PD-L1 expression and tumor immune microenvironment features as prognostic factors and markers of anti-tumor immune response in LSCCs, also with regard to the effectiveness of immunotherapeutic protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Franz
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, Otolaryngology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Elena Fasanaro
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, S.D.O.U. Otolaryngology at S. Antonio Hospital, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Piergiorgio Gaudioso
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, Otolaryngology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Carli
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, Otolaryngology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Piero Nicolai
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, Otolaryngology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Gino Marioni
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, Otolaryngology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
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Franz L, Alessandrini L, Saccardo T, Frigo AC, Marioni G. CD105- and CD31-assessed microvessel density in laryngeal carcinoma biopsies as a predictor of recurrence after exclusive primary surgery. Ann Diagn Pathol 2020; 48:151608. [PMID: 32890907 DOI: 10.1016/j.anndiagpath.2020.151608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Surgery is currently indicated as a unimodal therapeutic approach with curative intent in selected laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas (LSCCs) ranging from stage I to III. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic role of CD105- and CD31-assessed microvessel density (MVD) in biopsy and in surgical specimens from a cohort of consecutive stage I-III LSCCs who had undergone exclusive primary surgery, according to current guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS CD105- and CD31-assessed MVD were analyzed in paired biopsies and surgical specimens of 24 consecutive cases of LSCC who underwent exclusive surgery. RESULTS On biopsy specimens, CD105- and CD31-assessed MVD were positively associated with recurrence risk (hazard ratio [HR] 1.266, p = 0.0034 and HR 1.265, p = 0.0081, respectively). In surgical specimens, CD105- and CD31-assessed MVD were significantly associated with disease-free survival (DFS) (HR 1.213, p = 0.0016 and HR 1.237, p = 0.0023 respectively). Considering a stratification based on median value, recurrence risk was higher in patients with a CD105-assessed MVD>0 in both biopsies and surgical specimens (HR 11.005, p = 0.0326 and HR 34.483, p = 0.0311). No significant differences in terms of recurrence risk were found for CD31-assessed on biopsies or on surgical specimens. CONCLUSIONS This study supports the role of biopsy CD105-MVD as a predictor of recurrence after exclusive surgery for LSCCs. Further prospective studies are mandatory to better characterize the prognostic role of CD105-MVD evaluated on biopsies to develop novel criteria to identify patients at higher risk of recurrence for more aggressive approaches or adjuvant treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Franz
- Department of Neuroscience-DNS, Otolaryngology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Tommaso Saccardo
- Department of Neuroscience-DNS, Otolaryngology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Anna Chiara Frigo
- Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Padova University, Padova, Italy
| | - Gino Marioni
- Department of Neuroscience-DNS, Otolaryngology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
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