Immune expression in children with Wilms tumor: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Cancer Immunology
• Immunotherapy

Background:

• Wilms tumor (WT) survival rates exceed 90% due to multimodal therapy.
• However, recurrence and progression occur in 15-50% of WT cases.
• The role of immunotherapy in WT is unclear due to limited understanding of its immune microenvironment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct an exploratory analysis of the immune microenvironment in Wilms tumor (WT).

Main Methods:

• Collected tumor tissue and peripheral blood from pediatric WT patients (2016-2017).
• Analyzed immune infiltrate and effector cells using flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry.
• Assessed CD4, CD8, and PD-L1 expression and T-cell activation markers.

Main Results:

• WT demonstrated infiltration by CD45+ immune cells, irrespective of chemotherapy.
• Elevated levels of natural killer (NK) cells were found in tumor tissue compared to blood.
• Tumor-infiltrating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells exhibited an activated phenotype.

Conclusions:

• Wilms tumors possess an immune-engaged microenvironment.
• The presence of activated immune cells suggests WT may be susceptible to immunotherapy.
• Further studies are warranted to explore immunotherapy efficacy in WT.