HLA-DR expression on myeloid cells is a potential prognostic factor in patients with high-risk neuroblastoma

The adaptive immune system has been reported to play a dual role in many cancers, on one hand inhibiting tumor growth and, on the other hand, promoting disease progression, escape from cancer immunosurveillance and relapse. We have previously reported that the suppression of the adaptive immune response associated with high levels of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) was evident in patients with low-risk neuroblastoma. Here, we report the results of a pilot study demonstrating that the amounts of HLA-DR-positive or negative myeloid cells in the peripheral blood might predict disease outcome among individuals affected by high-risk neuroblastoma.