Influence of the Molecular Subtype-Dependent Immune Microenvironment of Metastatic Axillary Lymph Nodes on Breast Cancer Patient Outcomes.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Metastasis in the axillary lymph nodes (ALNs) occurs in 30-50% of breast cancers (BCs), where residing immune cells play a crucial role in disease progression. Specifically at diagnosis, the immune elements infiltrating the primary tumour are among the best established prognostic factors. However, their prognostic value in the metastatic ALNs (ALNs+) is poorly understood.

Methods

We aimed to retrospectively assess the immune populations of ALNs+ in luminal A (LA) and triple-negative BC (TNBC) patients using immunohistochemistry, to compare it with non-metastatic ALNs (ALNs-), and to determine their relationship with patient outcomes.

Results

We found differences in the immune concentrations of matched ALNs (ALNs- vs. ALNs+) from patients with positive nod

SUBMITTER: Lopez C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12863725 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature