Diverse PD-1, CD163, and FOXP3 Profiles in Primary and Metastatic Microenvironments of Prostate Cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Pathology

Background:

• The tumor microenvironment is crucial in prostate cancer progression.
• Metastatic sites may exhibit distinct tumor microenvironments.
• Understanding these differences is key for targeted therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the tumor microenvironment of primary prostate adenocarcinoma with its lymphatic and hematogenous metastases.
• To evaluate immune cell infiltration, checkpoint expression, and proliferation markers.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 27 prostate adenocarcinoma samples (17 patients): primary tumors, lymphatic, and hematogenous metastases.
• Immunohistochemical labeling for CD3e, CD8a, CD68, CD163, FOXP3, CTLA-4, B7-H3, PD-1, and Ki-67.
• Statistical comparison of marker expression across primary and metastatic tumor groups.

Main Results:

• Significantly higher Forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) and Cluster of Differentiation 163 (CD163) expression in hematogenous metastases compared to primary and lymphatic tumors.
• A trend towards higher Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) in primary tumors versus metastatic sites.
• Distinct immunological profiles were observed based on tumor location and metastatic pathway.

Conclusions:

• Prostate cancer exhibits diverse PD-1, CD163, and FOXP3 profiles in primary and metastatic microenvironments.
• These insights can inform personalized therapeutic strategies and prognostic tools.
• Findings suggest microenvironment variations impact treatment response and patient outcomes.