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ABSTRACT: Background
We previously proposed an immune cell score (tumour node metastasis (TNM)-Immune cell score) classifier as an add-on to the existing TNM staging system for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Herein, we examined how to reliably assess a tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) score to refine the TNM staging system.Methods
Using immunohistochemistry (CD8/cytokeratin), we quantified TLS in resected NSCLC whole-tumour tissue sections with three different scoring models on two independent collections (total of 553 patients). In a pilot setting, NanoString gene expression signatures were analysed for associations with TLS.Results
The number of TLSs significantly decreased in stage III patients as compared to stage II. The TLS score was an independent positive prognostic factor, regardless of the type of (semi)-quantification strategy used (four-scale semi-quantitative; absolute count of total TLS; subpopulation of mature TLS) or the endpoint (disease-specific survival; overall survival; time to recurrence). Subgroup analyses revealed a significant prognostic impact of TLS score within each pathological stage, patient cohort and main histological subtype. Targeted gene expression analysis showed that high TLS levels were associated with the expression of B cell and adaptive immunity genes/metagenes including tumour inflammation signature.Conclusions
The TLS score increases the prognostic power in each pathological stage and hence has the potential to refine TNM staging in resected NSCLC.
SUBMITTER: Rakaee M
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8110789 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Rakaee Mehrdad M Kilvaer Thomas K TK Jamaly Simin S Berg Thomas T Paulsen Erna-Elise EE Berglund Marte M Richardsen Elin E Andersen Sigve S Al-Saad Samer S Poehl Mette M Pezzella Francesco F Kwiatkowski David J DJ Bremnes Roy M RM Busund Lill-Tove Rasmussen LR Donnem Tom T
British journal of cancer 20210315 10
<h4>Background</h4>We previously proposed an immune cell score (tumour node metastasis (TNM)-Immune cell score) classifier as an add-on to the existing TNM staging system for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Herein, we examined how to reliably assess a tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) score to refine the TNM staging system.<h4>Methods</h4>Using immunohistochemistry (CD8/cytokeratin), we quantified TLS in resected NSCLC whole-tumour tissue sections with three different scoring models on two i ...[more]