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Intratumoral Lipopolysaccharide Positivity Related to Tumor-Associated Macrophage Infiltration and Poor Prognosis in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

  • 0Department of General Surgical Science, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan.
Annals of Surgical Oncology +

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July 9, 2025

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July 9, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Intratumoral lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) correlates with aggressive tumor features and poor prognosis. Detecting LPS may identify high-risk patients needing targeted therapies.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Microbiology

Background

  • The tumor microenvironment, particularly CD163-positive M2-like tumor-associated macrophages, influences esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) prognosis by promoting immune suppression.
  • Intratumoral lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a marker of microbiota, activates nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling and inflammation, contributing to poor prognosis.
  • Inflammation-based scores like the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) are linked to adverse outcomes in various cancers.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the impact of intratumoral LPS on systemic inflammation and the tumor microenvironment in ESCC.
  • To evaluate LPS as a potential prognostic biomarker in ESCC.

Main Methods

  • Analysis of surgical specimens from 134 ESCC patients.
  • Immunohistochemical staining to assess intratumoral LPS, CD163-positive tumor-associated macrophages (TAM), nuclear NF-κB expression, and vimentin.
  • Evaluation of associations with clinicopathological factors, prognosis, and inflammation-based scores (LMR).

Main Results

  • LPS was detected in ESCC cell nuclei and cytoplasm.
  • High intratumoral LPS positivity correlated with advanced N stage, increased NF-κB nuclear expression, low LMR, and elevated CD163-positive TAM infiltration.
  • Intratumoral LPS positivity independently predicted poor prognosis, especially in patients with CD163-positive TAM.

Conclusions

  • Intratumoral LPS detection in ESCC tissues is a reliable biomarker for identifying high-risk patients.
  • LPS positivity indicates aggressive tumor characteristics, heightened systemic inflammation, and compromised anti-tumor immunity.
  • These findings suggest LPS as a potential therapeutic target or prognostic indicator in ESCC management.

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