Tumor microenvironment in squamous cell lung cancer - histological and immunohistochemical study

Globally, lung cancer is the primary cause of cancer-related mortality. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lung, a subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), accounts for a significant portion of new cases and is primarily associated with smoking and environmental pollutants. This study investigates the histopathological and immunohistochemical (IHC) characteristics of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in SCC using tissue samples from 19 patients who underwent surgery for lung cancer. IHC markers, including cluster of differentiation (CD)68, CD3 and CD34 were used to assess various components of the TME, including immune cell infiltration, and angiogenesis. The results revealed significant presence of macrophages, T-lymphocytes, and myofibroblasts, as well as increased vascularization in the tumor stroma. These findings highlight the complex interaction between tumor cells and the surrounding stroma, contributing to tumor progression. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for improving early diagnosis and therapeutic strategies for SCC.