FOXP3-positive T cells in colorectal cancers with microsatellite instability
Author Information
Author(s): Michel S, Benner A, Tariverdian M, Wentzensen N, Hoefler P, Pommerencke T, Grabe N, von Knebel Doeberitz M, Kloor M
Primary Institution: Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Department of Applied Tumour Biology, Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg
Hypothesis
The study investigates the infiltration of regulatory T cells in colorectal cancers with microsatellite instability compared to microsatellite stable cancers.
Conclusion
The study found that colorectal cancers with microsatellite instability have a significantly higher infiltration of FOXP3-positive regulatory T cells compared to microsatellite stable cancers.
Supporting Evidence
- In MSI-H colorectal cancers, FOXP3-positive cell infiltration was significantly higher than in microsatellite stable cancers.
- Median intraepithelial FOXP3-positive cells were 8.5 per 0.25 mm2 in MSI-H vs 3.1 in MSS.
- The ratio of intraepithelial to stromal FOXP3-positive cells was significantly higher in MSI-H cancers.
Takeaway
This study shows that certain types of colorectal cancer have more special immune cells that might help the cancer grow, even when there are other immune cells trying to fight it.
Methodology
The study analyzed 70 colorectal cancer samples for FOXP3-positive T cell infiltration using immunohistochemistry.
Limitations
The study's sample size may limit the power of the statistical analysis.
Participant Demographics
The median age of patients was 50 years, with 51.4% male and 48.6% female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% confidence interval: 0.43–0.73
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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