Langerhans cells related to prognosis in patients with laryngeal carcinoma

Intratumoral and peritumoral infiltration of T-zone histiocytes, mainly of mature Langerhans cells, was investigated in 88 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx by immunohistochemical methods using polyclonal antibodies against S100 protein and lysozyme. Granulocytic and lymphoid inflammatory infiltration and its relationship to the presence of Langerhans cells were also evaluated. Langerhans cells were present within the cancer tissues and showed a relationship with lymphoid infiltrate. No significant correlation was present among the density of Langerhans cells and the site of neoplastic growth (supraglottic or subglottic), granulocytic inflammatory infiltration, histological tumor grade, or clinical stage. Patients with high or intermediate density of Langerhans cells survived longer than those with low density (mean survival, 61%, 62%, and 0%, respectively). The number of Langerhans cells was relevant in patients with evident infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma cells, according to their ability to present antigens to sensitized T cells. Our results indicate that the presence of high or intermediate density of Langerhans cells and of marked lymphoid inflammation may be considered favorable prognostic factors for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx.