The impact of immune cells in cancer prognosis
Author Information
Author(s): Gooden M J M, de Bock G H, Leffers N, Daemen T, Nijman H W
Primary Institution: University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen
Hypothesis
What is the prognostic significance of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in cancer?
Conclusion
Tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes moderately influence cancer prognosis, with ratios between lymphocyte subsets being particularly informative.
Supporting Evidence
- CD3+ TILs had a hazard ratio of 0.58 for death, indicating a positive effect on survival.
- CD8+ TILs also showed a positive effect on survival with a hazard ratio of 0.71.
- FoxP3+ TILs were not linked to overall survival.
- The CD8/FoxP3 ratio had a hazard ratio of 0.48, suggesting a strong prognostic indicator.
Takeaway
Doctors looked at immune cells in tumors to see if they help patients live longer. They found that some types of these cells are good for survival.
Methodology
A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining the prognostic significance of TILs in solid tumors.
Potential Biases
Potential publication bias due to the exclusion of smaller studies.
Limitations
The studies included were heterogeneous, and many did not report hazard ratios and confidence intervals.
Participant Demographics
The studies included various types of solid tumors, with a median of 160 patients per study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.03
Confidence Interval
0.43–0.78
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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