The prognostic value of the tumor-stroma ratio compared to tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in triple-negative breast cancer: a review.

IF 3.4 3区医学 Q1 PATHOLOGY Virchows Archiv Pub Date : 2025-02-04 DOI:10.1007/s00428-025-04039-z

Layla Andour, Sophie C Hagenaars, Barbara Gregus, Anna Mária Tőkes, Zsófia Karancsi, Rob A E M Tollenaar, Judith R Kroep, Janina Kulka, Wilma E Mesker

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Previous literature extensively explored biomarkers to personalize treatment for breast cancer patients. The clinical need is especially high in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) due to its aggressive nature and limited treatment modalities. This review aims to evaluate the value of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and tumor-stroma ratio (TSR) as prognostic biomarkers in TNBC patients and assess their clinical potential. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Emcare, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Papers comparing survival outcomes of TNBC patients with low/high or negative/positive TSR and immune cells were included. The most frequently mentioned subgroups of TILs were selected and reported in this review. Data from 43 articles on TILs and eight articles on TSR were included. Among TNBC patients, high CD8 expression was generally associated with better survival. Notable, the poor survival outcomes were related to high intra-tumoral PD-L1 expression, whereas high stromal PD-L1 expression more often was correlated with favorable outcomes. For the TSR, a high amount of stroma in the primary tumor of TNBC patients was consistently associated with worse survival. This review highlights that a high number of CD8-positive T-cells is a promising prognostic factor for TNBC patients. PD-L1 expression analyzed for intra-tumoral and stromal expression separately reports strong but contrasting information. Finally, the TSR shows potential to be an important prognostic marker, especially for TNBC patients. Utilizing both biomarkers, either on itself or combined, could enhance clinical decision-making and personalization of treatment.

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来源期刊

Virchows Archiv 医学-病理学

CiteScore

7.40

自引率

2.90%

发文量

204

审稿时长

4-8 weeks

期刊介绍： Manuscripts of original studies reinforcing the evidence base of modern diagnostic pathology, using immunocytochemical, molecular and ultrastructural techniques, will be welcomed. In addition, papers on critical evaluation of diagnostic criteria but also broadsheets and guidelines with a solid evidence base will be considered. Consideration will also be given to reports of work in other fields relevant to the understanding of human pathology as well as manuscripts on the application of new methods and techniques in pathology. Submission of purely experimental articles is discouraged but manuscripts on experimental work applicable to diagnostic pathology are welcomed. Biomarker studies are welcomed but need to abide by strict rules (e.g. REMARK) of adequate sample size and relevant marker choice. Single marker studies on limited patient series without validated application will as a rule not be considered. Case reports will only be considered when they provide substantial new information with an impact on understanding disease or diagnostic practice.