Isolated tumor cell clusters (ITC) in lymph nodes and PD-L1 expression on tumor-associated immune cells are prognostic factors for microsatellite instable-high gastric cancers.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Microsatellite instable-high (MSI-H) gastric cancer (GC) represents a distinct subgroup. However, controversy exists regarding the role of MSI in GCs, and the factors leading to internal prognostic differences among MSI-H GCs are rarely studied.

Methods

We identified 53 MSI-H cases from 941 consecutive GCs and conducted a detailed investigation of the clinical significance, clinicopathological correlations, and prognostic indicators of MSI-H GCs.

Results

Compared to MSI-low (MSI-L)/microsatellite stable (MSS) GCs, the MSI-H cohort was characterized by older age, female predominance, antral location, fewer lymph node (LN) metastases (H&E), and earlier tumor stage, but was also associated with larger tumor size, poor differentiation, and a high incidence of i

SUBMITTER: Cui M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12269635 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature