Association between PD-L1 Expression and the Prognosis and Clinicopathologic Features of Non-Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma.

PD-L1 is one of the two programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) ligands and a part of an immune checkpoint system (PD-1/PD-L1) with widespread clinical application. The aim of this study was to investigate PD-L1 expression and its association with clinicopathological and prognostic significance in non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma (non-ccRCC) patients. A total of 41 papillary (pRCC) and 20 chromophobe (chRCC) RCC tumors were examined for PD-L1 expression by immunohistochemistry in the cancer cells and tumor-infiltrating mononuclear cells (TIMCs). PD-L1 positivity was detected in 36.6% pRCC and 85.0% chRCC cancer cells, while PD-L1 positivity was observed in 73.2% pRCC and 50.0% chRCC TIMCs. PD-L1 positivity in both pRCC and chRCC tumor cells was not correlated with any of the examined clinicopathological features, while PD-L1 positivity in TIMCs was associated with the age of patients with pRCC. During follow-up, the death was documented among 6 patients with pRCC. Papillary RCC patients with PD-L1-positive tumor cells were significantly associated with an increased risk of death compared with patients with PD-L1-negative cancer cells. A similar trend was observed when comparing PD-L1 expression in TIMCs. However, no differences in overall survival for PD-L1-positive pRCC patients with compared to PD-L1-negative patients were observed in tumor cells or TIMCs.

Does the VHL polymorphisms rs779805 and rs1642742 affect renal cell carcinoma susceptibility, prognosis and survival in Central European population?

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common malignant tumor of the urinary system. The von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene play an essential role in the tumorigenic pathway of clear cell RCC (ccRCC). This study was aimed to clarify the influence of VHL polymorphisms on ccRCC susceptibility and survival in Central European population. We genotyped 2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs779805 and rs1642742 in VHL gene and assessed their associations with ccRCC risk, clinicopathologic parameters, and prognosis in 171 cases. The selected SNPs were genotyped by ROCHE LifeCycler 96 using tumor tissue-derived DNA. Both SNPs do not directly influence ccRCC susceptibility and overall survival. A significant associations were found between allele G and genotypes AG and GG of rs779805 in the VHL tumor suppressor gene and increased tumor size, as well as high nuclear grade. Furthermore, a statistically significant association was observed between rs1642742 of VHL gene and low pathological tumor stage and between rs779805 of VHL gene and high pathological tumor stage. Both investigated SNPs can be important prognostic indicators of RCC in the Central European population, because statistically significant associations were observed between evaluated VHL polymorphisms and the best known factors with proven prognostic significance in kidney cancer.

B7H3 Role in Reshaping Immunosuppressive Landscape in MSI and MSS Colorectal Cancer Tumours.

The study aimed to assess the expression of B7H3 concerning clinicopathological and histological parameters, including MSI/MSS status, CD-8 cells, tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), budding, TNM scale and grading. Moreover, we analyzed the B7H3-related pathways using available online datasets and the immunological context of B7H3 expression, through the 48-cytokine screening panel of cancer tissues homogenates, immunogenic features and immune composition. The study included 158 patients diagnosed with CRC. To assess B7H3 levels, we performed an immunohistochemistry method (IHC) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To elucidate the immune composition of colorectal cancer, we performed the Bio-Plex Pro Human 48-cytokine panel. To study biological characteristics of B7H3, we used online databases. Expression of B7H3 was upregulated in CRC tumour tissues in comparison to adjacent noncancerous margin tissues. The concentrations of B7H3 in tumours were positively associated with T parameter of patients and negatively with tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes score. Additionally, Principal Component Analysis showed that B7H3 expression in tumours correlated positively with cytokines associated with M2-macrophages and protumour growth factors. The expression of B7H3 in tumours was independent of MSI/MSS status. These findings will improve our understanding of B7H3 role in colorectal cancer immunity. Our study suggests that B7-H3 is a promising potential target for cancer therapy. Further studies must clarify the mechanisms of B7H3 overexpression and its therapeutic importance in colorectal cancer.

Overexpression and Role of HHLA2, a Novel Immune Checkpoint, in Colorectal Cancer.

The study aimed to investigate correlations between HHLA2 levels and parameters, including microsatellite instability (MSI) status, CD8+ cells, and histopathological features: budding, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), TNM scale, grading, cytokines, chemokines, and cell signaling moleculesin colorectal cancer (CRC). Furthermore, the immune infiltration landscape and HHLA2-related pathways in colorectal cancer using available online datasets were analyzed. The study included 167 patients diagnosed with CRC. Expression of HHLA2 was detected by immunohistochemistry method (IHC) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The IHC was used to evaluate the MSI and CD8+ status. The budding and TILs were measured using a light microscope. The concentrations of cytokines, chemokines, and cell signaling molecules were measured to analyze the data by the Bio-Plex Pro Human cytokine screening panel, 48 cytokine assay, and principal component analysis (PCA). Geneset enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted to identify HHLA2-related pathways. The biological function of HHLA2 was predicted by Gene Ontology (GO). Analysis of the immune infiltration landscape of HHLA2 in colorectal cancer was made by the web-based tool Camoip. High HHLA2 expression was detected in CRC tumor tissues compared to the adjacent noncancerous tissues. The percentage of HHLA2-positive tumors was 97%. GSEA and GO showed that HHLA2 upregulation correlated with cancer-related pathways and several biological functions. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes score correlated positively with IHC HHLA2 expression level percentage. There was a negative correlation between HHLA2, anti-tumor cytokines and pro-tumor growth factors. This study provides a valuable insight into the role of HHLA2 in CRC. We reveal the role of HHLA2 expression as well as a stimulatory and inhibitory immune checkpoint in colorectal cancer. Further research may verify the therapeutic values of the HHLA2-KIR3DL3/TMIGD2 pathway in colorectal cancer.

B7H4 Expression Is More Frequent in MSS Status Colorectal Cancer and Is Negatively Associated with Tumour Infiltrating Lymphocytes.

The immunotherapies based on ICIs in CRC are nowadays limited to microsatellite unstable tumours which are approximately 15% of all CRC cases. There are a few new immune checkpoints belonging to the B7 family, including B7H4. B7H4 expression is associated with so-called "cold tumours", and its function is linked to the downregulation of various immune cell populations. Our study aimed to investigate whether B7H4 expression is dependent on microsatellite status in CRC and on elucidating the immunological context in which the expression of B7H4 occurs. We enrolled 167 patients in the study. We prepared the homogenates from tumour tissues and healthy adjacent tissue to assess the B7H4 levels and the Bio-Plex Pro Human 48-cytokine panel. We assessed the microsatellite status of the tumour, B7H4 expression, CD8+ T cell population, and the TILs and budding in H + E stained slides by the IHC method. We used an online available database for further exploring the biological characteristics of B7H4. The expression of B7H4 was more frequent in microsatellite stable tumours, and was negatively associated with TILs. B7H4 is positively correlated with antitumour immunosuppressive iTME, thus contributing to the immunosuppressive environment in CRC.

Two Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the Von Hippel-Lindau Tumor Suppressor Gene in Patients with Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma.

The most common subtype of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is clear cell type (ccRCC), which accounts for approximately 75% of cases. von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene has been shown to be affected in more than half of ccRCC cases. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in VHL gene, rs779805 and rs1642742, are reported to be involved in the occurrence of ccRCC. The aim of this study was to assess their associations with clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical parameters, as well as risk and survival of ccRCC. The study population consisted of 129 patients. No significant differences in genotype or allele frequencies of VHL gene polymorphisms were observed between ccRCC cases and control population, and we have found that our results do not indicate a significant relationship of these SNPs with respect to ccRCC susceptibility. Additionally, we did not observe a significant association of these two SNPs with ccRCC survival. However, our results conclude that rs1642742 and rs779805 in the VHL gene are associated with increased tumor size, which is the most important prognostic indicator of renal cancer. Moreover, our analysis showed that patients with genotype AA of rs1642742 have a trend towards higher likelihood of developing ccRCC within their lifetime, while allele G of rs779805 can have a preventive effect against the development of renal cancer in stage 1. Therefore, these SNPs in VHL may be useful as genetic tumor markers for the molecular diagnostics for ccRCC patients.

Does the Immunohistochemical Expression of CD44, MMP-2, and MMP-9 in Association with the Histopathological Subtype of Renal Cell Carcinoma Affect the Survival of Patients with Renal Cancer?

CD44, MMP-2, and MMP-9 are new potential molecular prognostic markers in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The aim of the study was to analyze whether the expression of CD44, MMP-2, and MMP-9 in association with the histopathological subtype of RCC affects the survival of patients with renal cancer. The study population included 243 clear cell RCC (ccRCC) and 59 non-ccRCC cases. A total of 302 tumors were examined for CD44, MMP2, and MMP9 expression by immunohistochemistry. The expression levels of the proteins were scored by semi-quantitative methods, and the correlation with overall patient survival was verified. We found no significant differences in CD44 expression levels between cc-RCC and non-ccRCC cases; however, significant differences existed in the degree of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression between cc-RCC and non-ccRCC cases. There was significantly higher MMP expression in non-ccRCC than in ccRCC cases. Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that increased CD44 expression and histopathological subtype of ccRCC were predictors of shorter overall survival. Moreover, MMP-2 overexpression slightly reduced the risk of patient death, while MMP-9 expression did not show an association with patients' survival. However, on multivariate analysis, only the histopathological subtypes of ccRCC and CD44 expression were independent risk factors for patient death.

Histopathological pulmonary findings of survivors and autopsy COVID-19 cases: A bi-center study.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), evolved into a global pandemic. As ACE2 on the surface of alveolar cells of the lung epithelium is one of the potential target receptors for SARS-CoV-2, the respiratory symptoms are the most common presentation of COVID-19. The aim of our study was to investigate the morphological findings in lung tissue after being infected by SARS-CoV-2 and compare histopathologic changes in patients with COVID-19 infection history who died to those who survived. We analyzed lung tissue samples from 9 patients who died from COVID-19 and from 35 patients with COVID-19 infection history who survived and had undergone lung surgery for different reasons. Most of histopathological changes in autopsy and survivors' cases overlapped; however, they occurred with different frequency. The predominant histologic finding both in the case of the deceased and the survivors was patchy distribution of foamy macrophages in the alveolar spaces. In comparison with autopsy cases viral cytopathic-like changes in hyperplastic pneumocytes were rarely observed in the survivors' lung tissue. Pulmonary edema, fibrin deposition within alveoli, bronchopneumonia, small vessel thrombosis and type II pneumocyte hyperplasia were also more often observed within autopsy cases. Life-threatening complications such as hyaline membrane formations and diffuse alveolar damage were present only within the deceased, whereas changes requiring enough time to progress to the fibrotic phase, such as organizing pneumonia, bronchiolization of the alveoli, and interstitial fibrosis were observed in the lung parenchyma only in survivors. Additionally, 14 cases of pulmonary pneumo-hematocele in patients with COVID-19 infection history who survived were observed. It is a newly observed entity in the form of a cystic lesion formed by large accumulation of blood and fibrin between the collapsed and rejected lung parenchyma and/or present with air-fluid levels. The thin wall of pneumo-hematocele is formed by the inter lobar interstitial fibroconnective tissue and has no epithelial lining or bronchial wall elements. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, new complications following SARS-CoV-2 infection are identified. Newly observed entity in patients with COVID-19 infection history who survived is pulmonary pneumo-hematocele. The appearance of these lesion has become increasingly frequent.

Immunohistochemical Expression of CD44, MMP-2, MMP-9, and Ki-67 as the Prognostic Markers in Non-Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinomas-A Prospective Cohort Study.

CD44 is the most frequently reported marker of the cancer stem cells in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 are key regulators of tumor invasion and metastasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathologic and prognostic values of the immunohistochemical expression of CD44, MMP2, MMP9, and Ki-67 in papillary and chromophobe RCCs. In the case of papillary RCC, MMP-2 expression was positively correlated with patient age (p < 0.05), while CD44 expression was positively correlated with tumor stage (τ = 0.26, p < 0.05). Moreover, CD44 expression positively correlated with MMP-9 (τ = 0.39, p < 0.05). In the case of chromophobe RCC, only Ki-67 expression was negatively correlated with tumor stage (τ = −0.44, p < 0.05). During follow-up, a death was documented in 6 patients with papillary RCC. In these patients, CD44 expression was not a significant factor affecting the overall survival of patients (p > 0.05), whereas there was a positive correlation between increased MMP-9 expression and shorter overall survival (p < 0.05). Taken together, carcinogenesis in papillary RCC is probably dependent on both cancer stem cells and metalloproteinases activity. Expression of CD44 and MMP-9 can significantly improve the prediction of papillary RCC prognosis in the future.

Assessment of the RANTES Level Correlation and Selected Inflammatory and Pro-Angiogenic Molecules Evaluation of Their Influence on CRC Clinical Features: A Preliminary Observational Study.

Background and Objectives: Assessment of RANTES level and concentrations of inflammatory cytokines: programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), interferon gamma IFN-γ, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), transforming growht factor ß (TGF-ß) (and angiogenesis factors: vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF C) in tumor and margin tissues of colorectal cancer (CRC,) and evaluation of RANTES influence on histopathological parameters (microvessel density (MVD), budding, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs)), in relation to patients' clinical features. Materials and Methods: The study used 49 samples of tumor and margin tissues derived from CRC patients. To determinate the concentration of RANTES, PD-L1, IFN-γ, TNF-α, TGF-ß, VEGF-A, and VEGF-C, we used the commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Additionally, RANTES and PD-L1 expression was assessed with the use of IHC staining in both tumor cells and TILS in randomly selected cases. MVD was assessed on CD34-stained specimens. The MVD and budding were assessed using a light microscope. Results: We found significantly higher levels of RANTES, PD-L1, IFN-γ, TNF-α, TGF-ß, VEGF-A, and VEGF-C in the tumor in comparison with the margin. The RANTES tumor levels correlated significantly with those of PD-L1, TNF-α, TGF-ß, VEGF-A, and VEGF-C. The RANTES margin levels were significantly associated with the margin levels of all proteins investigated-PD-L1, IFN-γ, TNF-α, TGF-ß, VEGF-A, and VEGF-C. Additionally, we observed RANTES- and PD-L1-positive immunostaining in TILs. In a group of 24 specimens, 6 different CRC tumors were positive for RANTES and PD-L1 immunostaining. The IFN-gamma concentration in both tumor and margin and TGF-ß in tumor correlated with TILs. TILs were negatively associated with the patients' disease stage and N parameter. Conclusions: RANTES activity might be associated with angiogenesis, lymphogenesis, and immune escape in CRC. RANTES is an important chemokine that is a part of the chemokine-cytokine network involved in the modulation of TME composition in CRC. Further research may verify which processes are responsible for the associations observed in the study.

Periostin in Angiogenesis and Inflammation in CRC-A Preliminary Observational Study.

Background and Objectives: To assess the periostin level and the concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines: TNFα, IFN-γ, IL-1ß and IL-17 in tumor and marginal tissues of CRC and to investigate the influence of periostin on angiogenesis by MVD (microvessel density) and concentration of VEGF-A in relation to clinicopathological parameters of patients. Materials and Methods: The study used 47 samples of tumor and margin tissues derived from CRC patients. To determinate the concentration of periostin, VEGF-A, TNFα, IFNγ, IL-1ß and IL-17, we used the commercially available enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay kit. MVD was assessed on CD34-stained specimens. The MVD and budding were assessed using a light microscope Results: We found significantly higher concentrations of periostin, VEGF-A, IFN-γ, IL-1 ß, IL-17 and TNFα in the tumor samples compared with surgical tissue margins. The tumor concentrations of periostin were correlated with tumor levels of VEGF-A, IFN-γ, IL-1ß and TNFα. We observed significant correlation between margin periostin and VEGF-A, IFN-γ, IL-17 and TNFα in tumor and margin specimens. Additionally, we found a significantly negative correlation between periostin tumor concentration and microvessel density at the invasive front. Tumor periostin levels were also correlated positively with tumor budding. Conclusions: Periostin activity may be associated with pro-inflammatory cytokine levels: TNFα, IFN-γ, IL-1ß and IL-17. Our results also suggest the role of periostin in angiogenesis in CRC and its upregulation in poorly vascularized tumors. Further research on the regulations between periostin and cytokines are necessary to understand the interactions between tumor and immune tumor microenvironment, which could be helpful in the development of new targeted therapy.

The Concentration of CMKLR1 Expression on Clinicopathological Parameters of Colorectal Cancer: A Preliminary Study.

Background and Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second-most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Angiogenesis is crucial for cancer growth, infiltration of surrounding tissues, and metastasis and plays a key role in the pathogenesis of CRC. Chemerin/chemokine-like receptor 1 (CMKLR1) is one of the biochemical pathways involved in the regulation of angiogenesis in solid tumors. The aim of the study was to assess the CMKLR1 level in tumor and margin tissues of CRC in relation to histopathological parameters: microvessel density (MVD), budding, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), TNM scale, and grading. Materials and Methods: The study involved 43 samples of tumor and margin tissues obtained from CRC patients. To assess the concentration of CMKLR1 a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit was used. For 35 cases, we performed CD34 immunostaining. The MVD, budding, and TILs were assessed using a light microscope. Results: The levels of CMKLR1 in both tumor and margin were negatively correlated with MVD and budding. CMKLR1 concentration in margin was higher in tissues with lymphocytic infiltration. Conclusions: Low vascularity and low budding are associated with higher CMKLR1 expression. CMKLR1 might play a multifunctional role in CRC pathogenesis by influencing tumor budding and peritumoral lymphocytic infiltration.

Salivary gland lesions: diagnostic reliability and challenges of fine needle aspiration cytology.

Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a valuable, safe and widely used method for preoperative diagnosis of salivary gland lesions. The diagnostic accuracy of FNAC is dependent on the quality and yield of the aspirate, as well as the experience and knowledge of the cytopathologist. 247 cases of FNAC of salivary gland lesions were performed in our 4-year retrospective study. FNAC diagnoses were divided into non-neoplastic lesions, benign and malignant neoplasms. Histopathologic confirmation was done in 101 cases. The cases with discrepancies between the FNAC and histopathologic results were reviewed to establish possible reasons for discordance. The measures of diagnostic validity of FNAC in diagnosing non-neoplastic, benign and malignant lesions were evaluated. Of the 247 FNAC samples, 135 cases were diagnosed as benign neoplasms, 15 as malignant neoplasms, and 97 as non-neoplastic lesions. Out of the 101 cases with histopathologic confirmation, discordant results between cytologic and histopathologic diagnosis were observed in 15 cases. Our study showed no false positive and 4 false negative results for cancer. Cystic presentation of a lesion was a common reason for diagnostic pitfall. Sensitivity of FNAC in various types of salivary gland lesions ranged from 75%-100%, specificity 81-100%, diagnostic accuracy 85-96%, PPV 31-100% and NPV 60-96%. FNAC is a highly sensitive and specific method for diagnosis of most salivary gland lesions. Despite the fact that histopathology remains the gold standard, preoperative FNAC should be considered for preliminary investigation. Due to the diagnostic pitfalls, FNAC should be used in conjunction with clinical information, physical examination, and radiologic findings to reach the right diagnosis.

Acquired cystic disease-associated renal cell carcinoma: A clinicopathologic study of eight tumors with clinical follow-up.

Acquired cystic disease-associated renal cell carcinoma (ACD-RCC) is the major RCC subtype in patients with end-stage renal disease, specifically those with ACD on dialysis. Three patients with a total of eight tumors have been selected. The aim of this study was to analyze clinicopathologic, immunohistochemical, and prognostic features of eight ACD-RCCs. Three patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) were in the age range of 34-45 years and being treated with hemodialysis. All eight tumors were resected by radical nephrectomy. Two patients had a single ACD-RCC, while one patient had bilateral and multifocal ACD-RCCs. Microscopically, combinations of architectural patterns were identified in all tumors. Intracytoplasmic and intraluminal vacuoles, eosinophilic granular cytoplasm, and prominent nucleoli were universal characteristics of these tumors. Atypical cysts were present in three out of four resected kidneys. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining revealed all tumors were strongly and diffusely positive for pan-cytokeratin and α-methylacyl-CoA racemase and variably positive for CK7, CD10, PAX8, EMA, vimentin, cytokeratin, high molecular weight cytokeratin (CK HMW). All cases were negative for Napsin A, CK20, CD117, and CD57. After an average follow-up of 27.5 months (range 3-54 months), all our patients are alive without neoplastic (metastatic or recurrent) disease. Our study supports the finding that ACD-RCC has specific morphologic features and a broad spectrum of architectural patterns. We have found that the immunoprofile of ACD-RCC is distinct from that in other RCCs; however, nonspecific and interpretation of microscopic features in the context of the clinical history can aid the diagnosis. We confirm also the favorable prognosis in ACD-RCC.

Bilateral and Multifocal Acquired Cystic Disease-Associated Renal Cell Carcinomas in Patient With End-Stage Renal Disease Caused by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

The disease entity of acquired cystic disease-associated renal cell carcinoma (ACD-RCC) has been recently incorporated into the international renal tumor classification. We performed a clinicopathologic study of a patient with bilateral and multifocal ACD-RCCs. The patient received long-term hemodialysis in the end-stage renal disease caused by systemic lupus erythematous. First left-sided nephrectomy and after 6 months right-sided nephrectomy was performed. None of the preoperative radiologic examinations revealed lesions suspected of malignancy. All of the 6 tumors were incidentally found on grossing radical nephrectomy specimens. Histologically, tumors consisted of a variety of growth patterns (including papillary and cribriform) of neoplastic cells with granular eosinophilic cytoplasm and intratumoral oxalate crystals. Neoplastic cells were positive for AMACR, CK AE1/AE3, and CD10; focally positive for CK7; and negative for PAX8. Seven months after the first nephrectomy, the patient still receives dialysis. There was no evidence of lymph node or distant metastases.

Lung Cancer Cytology: Can Any of the Cytological Methods Replace Histopathology?

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of lung cancer can be made in two ways: histopathological and cytopathological. Cytological methods in the diagnosis of lung lesions are generally thought to be one of the most successful tactics. AIMS: This study aimed at comparing the efficiency of selected cytological techniques in lung lesions by correlating them with histopathological diagnosis. In addition, we had answered the question whether any of the cytological methods can replace histopathology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 633 patients and 1085 cytological specimens. Cytology samples included: induced sputum, bronchial washing (BW), bronchial brushing (BB), fine needle aspiration (FNA), and cell block (CB). In every case of CB immunocytochemistry (ICC) was performed. For each cytological method sensitivity, specificity, effectiveness, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were assessed. RESULTS: BW and BB showed the lowest diagnostic parameters. The most valuable diagnostic procedure was CB based on FNA. Close by CB, FNA had the highest diagnostic rate. However, possibility to evaluate tumor cell structure and apply the ICC, give CB an advantage over FNA. Using only morphologic criteria, we had subclassified nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (AC) as 60.04% of SCC and 32.52% of AC. The use of CB and ICC decreased the NSCLC diagnoses from 22.1% to 2.8% while the percentage of AC and SCC diagnoses increased from 4.11% to 12.64% and from 6.64% to 11.06%, respectively. Metastatic lung tumors were diagnosed based on both the cell morphology and according to the ICC results. CONCLUSION: Despite the limitations of the cytological procedures, we recommend using CB and ICC to evaluate cytological samples derived from FNA. It can in many cases replace a conventional histopathology.