Ablation of Stage I-II Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in Patients With Interstitial Lung Disease: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

Dynamic Changes in the Immune Microenvironment in Tumor-Draining Lymph Nodes of a Lewis Lung Cancer Mouse Model After Microwave Ablation

Purpose

Microwave ablation (MWA) is a minimally invasive technique for treating lung cancer. It can induce immune response; however, its effect on the immune microenvironment in tumor-draining lymph nodes (TdLN) is not well understood. This study aims to identify changes in the immune microenvironment in TdLN following MWA in a Lewis lung cancer (LLC) mouse model.

Methods

LLC mouse model was established and followed by MWA. TdLN were collected at various time points, including pre-MWA and days 1, 2, 4, and 8 post-MWA. Flow cytometry was used to determine the frequencies of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, regulatory T (Treg) cells, natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells (DCs) and other immune cells in the TdLN. Certain cytokines were also detected.

Results

Compared with pre-MWA, the frequency of CD4+ T cells significantly increased from day 1 to day 8 post-MWA. The frequency of CD8+ T cells decreased significantly on days 2 and 4, but no significant changes occurred on days 1 and 8. Significant decreases in the frequencies of Treg cells and Klrg1+ Treg cells were observed from day 1 to day 4. On days 4 and 8, there was a significant increase in the frequency of NK cells. The frequency of resident cDC2 significantly increased on day 4, whereas CD11b+ migratory cDCs increased on day 1. Additionally, on day 4, a notable rise was observed in the frequency of NK cells secreting IFN-γ, while on day 8, there was a significant increase in the frequency of CD8+ T cells secreting both IFN-γ and TNF-α.

Conclusion

MWA of lung cancer can alter the immune microenvironment in the TdLN, triggering immune responses. These changes are particularly evident and intricate within the initial 4 days post-MWA. Treatment combined with MWA within a certain period may significantly enhance anti-tumor immunity.

Lung Needle Biopsy and Lung Ablation: Indications, Patient Management, and Postprocedure Imaging Findings

The clinical role and use of percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (TTNB) and ablation of lung tumors are evolving. Here we discuss important considerations for referring providers, including current and emerging indications supported by guidelines, critical aspects of pre and postprocedure patient management, and expected postprocedure imaging findings.