JoVE - Journal of Visualized Experiments
JoVE Visualize
Contact Us

Evaluation of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes as a prognostic biomarker in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast

  • 0Setor de Mastologia da Disciplina de Ginecologia do Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, São Paulo, SP, 25101246-000, Brazil. camilavpmed@gmail.com.
Breast Cancer Research and Treatment +

|

August 24, 2024

|

August 24, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

High tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) samples (≥17%) are linked to increased recurrence risk. Comedonecrosis also independently predicts recurrence in DCIS patients.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Pathology

Background

  • Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a non-invasive form of breast cancer.
  • Understanding factors predicting recurrence in DCIS is crucial for patient management.
  • Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are immune cells within tumors that may influence cancer outcomes.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the association between tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in DCIS samples and the risk of disease recurrence.
  • To evaluate the prognostic value of TILs and other histopathological features in DCIS.

Main Methods

  • Retrospective cohort study of 191 patients treated for DCIS between 2007 and 2020.
  • Exclusion of male patients, invasive/microinvasive disease, and prior cancer history.
  • Quantification of TILs as a percentage; assessment of "touching TILs" and periductal desmoplasia.
  • Survival analysis using Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank tests, and Cox regression models.

Main Results

  • A total of 191 patients were analyzed with a median follow-up of 77.2 months.
  • A recurrence rate of 9.2% was observed.
  • TILs ≥17% (HR 2.97) and comedonecrosis (HR 4.53) were significantly associated with increased recurrence risk.
  • Multivariate analysis confirmed comedonecrosis and TILs ≥17% as independent predictors of recurrence.

Conclusions

  • High TILs (≥17%) and comedonecrosis are independently associated with an increased risk of DCIS recurrence.
  • These factors may aid in risk stratification and personalized treatment strategies for DCIS.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the role of the tumor immune microenvironment in DCIS progression.

Keywords: