Work

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha expression in tumour islets confers a survival advantage in non-small cell lung cancer

Year: 2010

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The role of TNFalpha in cancer is complex with both pro-tumourigenic and anti-tumourigenic roles proposed. We hypothesised that anatomical microlocalisation is critical for its function. METHODS: This study used immunohistochemistry to investigate the expression of TNFalpha in the tumour islets and stroma with respect to survival in 133 patients with surgically resected NSCLC. RESULTS: TNFalpha expression was increased in the tumour islets of patients with above median survival (AMS) compared to those with below median survival (BMS)(p = 0.006), but similar in the stroma of both groups. Increasing tumour islet TNFalpha density was a favorable independent prognostic indicator (p = 0.048) while stromal TNFalpha density was an independent predictor of reduced survival (p = 0.007). Patients with high TNFalpha expression (upper tertile) had a significantly higher 5-year survival compared to patients in the lower tertile (43% versus 22%, p = 0.01). In patients with AMS, 100% of TNFalpha+ cells were macrophages and mast cells, compared to only 28% in the islets and 50% in the stroma of BMS patients (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The expression of TNFalpha in the tumour islets of patients with NSCLC is associated with improved survival suggesting a role in the host anti-tumour immunological response. The expression of TNFalpha by macrophages and mast cells is critical for this relationship.

Source: BMC Cancer

DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-10-323

Authors: Chandra M Ohri, Aarti Shikotra, Ruth H Green, David A Waller, Peter Bradding

Institutions: University of Leicester, Glenfield Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Lung Cancer Research Studies

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,390