Carcinomas exhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition manifest an M2 macrophage-enriched tumor immune microenvironment.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is linked to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). However, direct comparisons of the TME in paired tumor regions with and without EMT in primary tumors-essential for elucidating EMT's impact on the TME-are still lacking.

Methods

Using Digital Spatial Profiler (DSP) assay and NanoString nCounter Digital Profiling, we analyzed immune-oncology-related markers in the TME of no special type (NST) and paired spindle carcinomatous (SPS) components, the later considered the EMT counterpart of the former, in nine cases of metaplastic breast carcinoma, a type of mammary carcinosarcoma.

Results

We identified macrophage markers as consistently and significantly enriched immune-oncology-related proteins within the TM

SUBMITTER: Lien HC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12522275 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature