Tertiary Lymphoid Structures Predict Prognosis and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Efficacy in Lung Squamous Cell...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Pathology

Background:

• Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) presents a significant mortality challenge.
• Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) are critical microenvironmental components that modulate anti-tumour immune responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prognostic impact of TLSs in LUSC.
• To evaluate the predictive value of TLSs for immunotherapy efficacy in LUSC patients.

Main Methods:

• Haematoxylin and eosin staining and immunofluorescence staining were employed to assess TLSs.
• Comparative survival analyses were performed for patients stratified by TLS presence, density, and maturity (imTLS vs. mTLS).
• Multivariate Cox regression models analyzed prognostic factors in an LUSC immunotherapy cohort.

Main Results:

• TLS presence (TLS+) and high TLS density were significantly associated with better overall survival (OS).
• Mature TLS (mTLS) demonstrated a strong correlation with improved OS in LUSC patients.
• Stage and high PD-L1 expression (≥50%) were identified as predictors of TLS+ status.

Conclusions:

• TLSs, particularly when present at high density and in a mature state, represent a favorable prognostic factor in LUSC.
• TLS status is an independent predictor of overall survival in the LUSC immunotherapy cohort.
• TLS assessment may aid in predicting patient prognosis and immunotherapy response in LUSC.