Prognostic implications of type and density of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes in gastric cancer
2008

Tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes and gastric cancer survival

Sample size: 220 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Lee H E, Chae S W, Lee Y J, Kim M A, Lee H S, Lee B L, Kim W H

Primary Institution: Seoul National University College of Medicine

Hypothesis

Can the type and density of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) predict the clinical course in gastric cancer?

Conclusion

The density of TILs is an independent predictor of regional lymph node metastasis and patient survival in gastric cancer.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study found that high densities of CD3+, CD8+, and CD45RO+ TILs were associated with longer survival times.
  • Multivariate analysis confirmed that TIL densities were independent prognostic factors for lymph node metastasis.
  • Patients with high TIL density had a mean survival time significantly longer than those with low TIL density.

Takeaway

This study found that more immune cells in stomach cancer can help patients live longer and have a better chance of not having their cancer spread.

Methodology

The study used immunohistochemistry to analyze TILs in 220 gastric cancer samples and followed patient outcomes over time.

Potential Biases

Potential biases may arise from the retrospective nature of the study and the specific patient population analyzed.

Limitations

The study did not include patients with cancer confined to mucosa, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Participant Demographics

The median age of participants was 57 years, with 70.9% being male.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Confidence Interval

0.204–0.885 for CD3+, 0.150–0.707 for CD8+, 0.190–0.850 for CD45RO+

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6604738

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