ARID1 and BRG1 Expression in Endometrial Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Endometrial cancer (EC) is the predominant malignancy among gynecologic cancers and ranks fourth among all types of cancer. Recently, researchers have focused on the development of new prognostic biomarkers. Subunits of the SWI/SNF protein complex, like the ARID1 and BRG1, have been associated with the development of endometrial cancer. The present study aimed to evaluate the expression patterns of ARID1A and BRG1 in a collection of endometrioid adenocarcinomas of the uterus using immunohistochemistry. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study comprised a total of thirty-three individuals diagnosed with stage I endometrioid endometrial cancer, treated with radical hysterectomy. The histological material was then examined to assess the cytoplasmic and nuclear expression of the proteins. RESULTS: ARID1A exhibited expression in both the cytoplasm and nucleus of cancer cells, whereas BRG1 was mainly expressed in the nuclei. In addition, ARID1A exhibited a notable decrease in expression in grade 3 histology, with no significant correlation with the depth of myometrial invasion. The reduced expression was highly related to tumor expansion into the endocervix. The findings demonstrated a total absence of ARID1A expression in 27% of endometrioid carcinomas, with a significant reduction in expression in an additional 51% of cancer cells. These findings align with the most recent published data. In contrast, in the current study, BRG1 was rarely down-regulated and was extensively expressed in the majority of endometrioid carcinomas, preventing the possibility of statistical analysis. CONCLUSION: In summary, ARID1A expression loss can be used as a biomarker to guide post-operative therapy; however, further investigation is needed, especially for early-stage endometrial cancer.

HLA-class-I expression loss, tumor microenvironment and breast cancer prognosis.

Loss of HLA-class-I molecule expression by cancer cells is a frequent event in human tumors that may lead to immune evasion from cytotoxic T-cells. We examined the expression patterns of HLA-class-I molecules in a series of 175 patients with operable breast cancer (BCa). Extensive loss of BCa cell HLA-class-I expression was noted 76.6 % of patients (27.5 % complete loss). A significant association of HLA-preservation with high TIL-density (p = 0.001) was documented. Preservation of HLA was evident only in BCa carcinomas with low HIF1α expression and high TIL-density. Cell line experiments (MCF7 and T47D) showed that induction of HLAs in cancer cells following incubation with lymphocytes or IFNγ, was abrogated under hypoxic conditions. HLA-preservation was linked with better distant metastasis-free survival (p = 0.01), which was confirmed also in multivariate analysis (p = 0.02, HR 3.17). Studying the expression of HLA-class-I molecules in parallel with TIL-density and HIF1α expression may identify subgroups of BCa patients who would benefit from immunotherapy.

Neoplasia-related and treatment-induced lymphopenia: impact on the outcome of chemoradiotherapy in laryngeal cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The role of the immune system in the efficacy of radiotherapy (RT) has been well established. We examined the role of neoplasia-related and treatment-induced lymphopenia in the outcome of RT or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in squamous cell laryngeal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed a series of 135 laryngeal carcinomas treated with radical or postoperative RT/CRT. Six lymphocyte-related variables were defined and examined: i. lymphocyte counts (LCs) before a brief course of induction chemotherapy, ii. pre-RT LCs, iii. post-RT LCs, iv. pre-RT neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (N/L), v. pre-RT monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (M/L), and vi. pre-RT platelet/lymphocyte ratio (Pt/L). RESULTS: RT and CRT resulted in a significant decrease of LCs at the end of therapy, and this was significantly more prominent in patients treated with radical intent and neck irradiation (median LC nadir 810/µl vs. 1250/µl; p = .0003). Induction chemotherapy did not intensify the lymphotoxic effect of RT. LCs lower than the 33rd percentile before RT (<1718/µl) and after RT (<720/µl) were significantly linked to poor locoregional progression-free survival (LRFS; p = .02 and p = .08, respectively) and disease-specific overall survival (OS; p = .02 and p = .03, respectively). This was also confirmed multivariate analysis (LRFS: p = .006/HR = 2.41 and p = .08/HR = 1.76, respectively; OS: p = .001/HR = 3.06 and p = .02/HR = 2.07, respectively). High pre-RT N/L, M/L, and Pt/L ratios were also of ominous prognostic relevance. CONCLUSIONS: Both neoplasia-related and RT-induced lymphopenia define the outcome of RT in terms of locoregional failure, incidence of metastasis, and, finally, disease-specific survival of patients with laryngeal cancer. Restoration of pre-RT lymphopenia and protection of peripheral lymphocytes during RT emerge as critical issues that demand therapeutic interventions to maximize the efficacy of RT/CRT in patients with laryngeal cancer.

Cytokine Plasma Levels in Breast Cancer Patients, Before and After Surgery.

Studying the levels of cytokines in the plasma of patients could be valuable in guiding immunotherapy policies. We assessed the plasma levels of 4 major cytokines [interferon (IFN)-ß, interleukin-2 (IL-2), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß)] collected from 19 patients with ductal breast cancer (BCa), before surgery (BS) and 5 days after surgery (AS). The ratio AS/BS was also calculated and correlated with histopathological variables and tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) density. The IFN-ß and TNF-α levels were significantly higher in BCa patients, BS and AS, than healthy controls (P < 0.02). High IL-2 levels BS were linked with node involvement (P = 0.02), and marginally with HER2 expression (P = 0.08), while high TNF-α levels were linked with high PgR expression (P = 0.02). Increasing IFN-ß, IL-2, and TNF-α levels were noted AS, which was more evident in patients with larger tumors. The TGF-ß levels were significantly lower in BCa patients (P < 0.007). Linear regression analysis showed a direct association of IFN-ß levels AS (P = 0.02, r = 0.52) and of TNF-α AS/BS-ratio (P = 0.001, r = 0.72) with TIL-density. It is suggested that although effector immune response is evident in the majority of early stage BCa patients, removal of the primary tumor further unblocks such responses.

CSF2RB mutation-related hereditary pulmonary alveolar proteinosis: the "long and winding road" into adulthood.

Genetic analysis pre-lung transplantation diagnosed a case of hereditary pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) complicated by fibrosis in adulthood. The need for genetic testing in GM-CSF autoantibody negative and unclassifiable PAP is highlighted. https://bit.ly/3QcsYwM.

Preoperative chemoradiotherapy induces multiple pathways related to anti-tumour immunity in rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Rectal cancer treated with preoperative radiotherapy (RT) provides an interesting model to study changes induced on cancer cell immuno-phenotype that could be exploited by immunotherapy interventions to improve prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We assessed the expression of HLA-class-I, ß2-microglobulin, TAP1, PD-L1 and STING/IFNß in preoperative biopsies and respective post-RT surgical specimens from patients with rectal cancer (n = 27). The effect of radiation was further investigated in colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines HT-29 and Caco-2. RESULTS: Rectal carcinomas exhibited extensive loss of expression of HLA-Class-I related molecules, which was restored in post-irradiation surgical specimens (P < 0.0001). RT induced the expression of IFNß and STING in cancer cells and tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (P < 0.0001). In in vitro experiments, irradiation with 4 Gy or 10 Gy induced the expression of HLA-class-I protein (P < 0.001). PD-L1 levels were transiently induced for two days (P < 0.001). cGAS, STING, IFNß and the downstream genes (MX1, MX2, UBE2L6v2, IFI6v2 and IFI44) mRNA levels significantly increased after 3 × 8 Gy or 1 × 20 Gy irradiation (P < 0.001). TREX1 mRNA levels remained unaltered. CONCLUSIONS: RT induces the IFN-type-I pathway and the expression of HLA-class-I molecules on rectal carcinoma. The transient induction of PD-L1 expression suggests that long-course daily RT may sustain increased PD-L1 levels. Anti-PD-L1/PD-1 immunotherapy could block this immunosuppressive pathway.

Predicting Complicated Appendicitis in Children: Pros and Cons of a New Score Combining Clinical Signs, Laboratory Values, and Ultrasound Images (CLU Score).

BACKGROUND: This retrospective study aimed to combine the clinical signs, laboratory values, and ultrasound images of 199 children with acute appendicitis in order to create a new predictive score for complicated appendicitis in children. METHODS: The study included children who had clinical examination of abdominal pain (description of pain, anorexia, body temperature, nausea or vomiting, duration of symptoms), laboratory findings on admission (white blood cell, platelets, neutrophils, C-reactive protein), preoperative abdominal ultrasound, and histopathological report after an operation for appendicitis in their records during the period from January 2016 to February 2022. RESULTS: According to the statistical analysis of the values using multivariate logistic regression models, the patients with appendiceal diameter ≥ 8.45 mm, no target sign appearance, appendicolith, abscess, peritonitis, neutrophils ≥ 78.95%, C-reactive protein ≥ 1.99 mg/dL, body temperature ≥ 38 °C, pain migration to right lower quadrant, and duration of symptoms < 24 h were more likely to suffer from complicated appendicitis. The new score was comprised of the 10 variables that were found statistically significant in the multivariate logistic model. Each of these variables was assigned a score of 1 due to the values that were associated with complicated appendicitis. CONCLUSIONS: A cutoff value of ≥4 has been a good indicator of the final score. The sensitivity with the usage of this score is 81.1%, the specificity 82.4%, the PPV 73.2%, the NPV approaches 88% and finally the accuracy is 81.9%. Also, the pros and cons of this score are discussed in this study.

Irradiation-induced IFN-type-I pathway activation in prostate cancer cell lines.

The Interferon (ΙFN) Type-I pathway has an important role in the activation of an anti-tumor immune response. We investigated the effects of two different dose fractionations of radiation (3 daily 8 Gy fractions vs. one fraction of 20 Gy) on the activation of the Type-I IFN-pathway in three hormone-dependent (22Rv1) and independent (DU145, PC3), prostate cancer (PC) cell lines. Regardless of the dose schedules, radiation-induced the expression of IFN-stimulated genes in all PC cell lines, with a strong up-regulation of the IFI6v2 and IFI44 genes. In addition, strong up-regulation of the MX1 and MX2 genes was noted in the PC3 cell line. This effect was independent of the expression of IFNß, cGAS, or TREX1 levels. It is suggested that the RT-induced IFN type-I response could be exploited for the development of immuno-RT policies for localized and metastatic PC.

Hypoxia and acidity regulate immune checkpoint molecule and IFN-ß expression in non-small cell lung cancer cell lines.

PURPOSE: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most lethal tumors in humans. Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized the treatment of patients with advanced diseases. Tumor microenvironment conditions like hypoxia and low pH may compromise the efficacy of ICIs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report the effect of hypoxia and acidity on the expression levels of the major checkpoint molecules, namely PD-L1, CD80, and CD47, in the A549 and H1299 NSCLC cell lines. RESULTS: Hypoxia induces PD-L1 protein and mRNA expression, represses CD80 mRNA levels, and enhances IFNß protein expression. An opposite effect was noticed when cells were exposed to acidic conditions. Hypoxia-induced the CD47 molecule at protein and mRNA levels. It is concluded that hypoxia and acidity are important regulators of the expression of PD-L1 and CD80 immune checkpoint molecules. Acidity contributes to the suppression of the interferon type I pathway. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that hypoxia and acidity assist cancer cells in the escape from immune surveillance through direct effects on cancer cells' ability to present immune checkpoint molecules and release type I interferons. Targeting hypoxia and acidity may enhance the activity of ICIs in NSCLC.

HIF1α-dependent and independent pathways regulate the expression of PD-L1 in prostate cancer.

PD-L1/PD-1 pathway is a major pathway exploited by human cancer types, which is a target for current immunotherapy. We investigated tumor microenvironmental factors involved in PD-L1 induction in prostate cancer (PC). We studied the expression of PD-L1 in a series of 66 PCs, in parallel with the expression of hypoxia- and acidity-related immunohistochemical markers (Hypoxia-inducible factor HIF1α, and lactate dehydrogenase LDHA) and tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte TIL density. Experiments with three PC cell lines, the 22Rv1, DU145, and PC3 were conducted focusing on the inducibility of PD-L1 by hypoxia, acidity, lymphocyte interactions, and radiation. In tissues, PD-L1 expression by cancer cells was directly related to PD-L1 expression by TILs and macrophages (p < 0.05), and the overexpression of HIF1α and LDH5 (p < 0.05). TIL density was inversely related to ΗΙF1α (p = 0.02). Exposure of PC cell lines to hypoxia strongly induced PD-L1 and protein and mRNA levels, directly controlled by HIF1α function (p < 0.001). Irradiation with 20 Gy had no apparent effect on PD-L1 expression. Culturing PC cell lines with culture medium (CM) from PBMCs strongly induced PD-L1 at protein and mRNA levels, independently from HIF1α, which was also confirmed when cells were incubated with Interferon-γ (p < 0.001). It is concluded that the combination of anti-PD-L1/PD-1 immunotherapy with hypoxia/HIF-targeting may be important in the treatment of specific subgroups of PC patients.

Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Response in Lip Cancer.

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) play a significant role in cancer progression and prognosis of patients. The tumor microenvironment (TME) may affect the anti-tumor immune response. We examined the TIL and tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) density in the invading front and inner tumor stroma, and the lymphocyte subpopulation (CD8, CD4, FOXP3) density in 60 squamous cell carcinomas of the lip. Analysis was performed in parallel with markers of hypoxia (hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF1α), lactate dehydrogenase (LDHA)) and angiogenesis. Low TIL density in the invading tumor front was related with larger tumor size (p = 0.05), deep invasion (p = 0.01), high smooth-muscle actin (SMA) expression (p = 0.01), and high HIF1α and LDH5 expression (p = 0.04). FOXP3+ TILs infiltration and FOXP3+/CD8+ ratios were higher in inner tumor areas, linked with LDH5 expression, and higher MIB1 proliferation index (p = 0.03) and SMA expression (p = 0.001). Dense CD4+ lymphocytic infiltration in the invading front is related to high tumor-budding (TB) (p = 0.04) and angiogenesis (p = 0.04 and p = 0.006, respectively). Low CD8+ TIL density, high CD20+ B-cell density, high FOXP3+/CD8+ ratio and high CD68+ macrophage presence characterized tumors with local invasion (p = 0.02, 0.01, 0.02 and 0.006, respectively). High angiogenic activity was linked with high CD4+, FOXP3+, and low CD8+ TIL density (p = 0.05, 0.01 and 0.01, respectively), as well as high CD68+ macrophage presence (p = 0.003). LDH5 expression was linked with high CD4+ and FOXP3+ TIL density (p = 0.05 and 0.01, respectively). Further research is needed to explore the prognostic and therapeutic value of TME/TIL interactions.

Ovarian Morphometric and Histologic Characteristics and Correlation with Clinical Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Reproductive lifespan is determined by the reserve of ovarian follicles; their quality and quality determine the fertility potential at a given point in time for a particular individual. Inter-individual variations related to morphometry, laterality, medical history, demographic characteristics and ethnicity may impact ovarian histology, which however, has not been extensively studied or documented. The present cross-sectional study aims to investigate the potential association of clinical factors (age, medical and obstetric history) with ovarian morphometry and histology in females of reproductive age in the local population. The sample included 31 specimens of whole human ovaries, obtained from surgical/autopsy procedures in reproductive-aged women, processed at the Pathology Department. Morphometric characteristics were assessed, including shape, color, length, width, thickness and gross ovarian pathology. Random samples of specific dimensions were histologically examined to determine follicular counts. The results were analyzed statistically in correlation to morphometric characteristics and medical history. The majority of the patients had oval-shaped ovaries (77.8% right; 92.3% left; p = 0.368) of whitish color (38.9% right; 46.2% left; p > 0.999). Right ovaries had significantly greater length, width and volume (p-values 0.018, 0.040 and 0.050, respectively). Thickness was equivalent, as well as follicular distribution of all classes. Age correlated inversely with ovarian volume and primordial/primary follicular count on histology. Women with a caesarian-section history yielded significantly lower primordial/primary follicular counts. As estimated by ovarian histology, macroscopic and clinical factors may be significantly associated with actual ovarian reserve.

Cancer Microenvironment Defines Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte Density and Tertiary Lymphoid Structure Formation in Laryngeal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: The presence and activity of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) is a key parameter related to the antitumor immune response. A large number of studies reveal TIL density as a prognostic marker and predictor of response to radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. METHODS: We examined the TIL and tertiary lymphoid structure TLS density in the invading front and inner tumor stroma, in a 33 squamous cell laryngeal carcinomas (LSCC) treated with laryngectomy. TIL and TLS densities were in parallel examined with markers of anaerobic metabolism, vascular density (VD), vascular survival ability (VSA), and histopathological parameters. RESULTS: TIL and TLS densities significantly decreased in inner tumor areas (p < 0.0001). TIL density in the invading tumor front was inversely related with lymph node involvement (p = 0.03), HIF1α expression (p = 0.008), vessel density (p = 0.02), and MIB1 (p = 0.006). TIL density in inner stroma was inversely linked to local invasion (marginal p = 0.05), tumor budding (TB) (p = 0.005), MIB1 (p = 0.02), and HIF1α expression (p = 0.02). Low-TLS density in the invading front and in inner tumor areas was related to high TB (p = 0.02 and 0.002, respectively), HIF1α (p = 0.003 and 0.01, respectively), and LDH5 expression (p = 0.003 and 0.007, respectively). CD4+, FOXP3+ TIL density, and FOXP3+/CD8+ ratio were directly associated with VSA (p = 0.008, 0.02, and 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION: Poor immune response is related to hypoxic background and anaerobic metabolism, as well as increased invasive and metastatic ability. Regulatory TIL markers are linked with increased angiogenic potential. The prognostic, predictive, and therapy-guiding value of TILs in clinical practice demands thorough investigation.

Tertiary Lymphoid Structures, Immune Response, and Prognostic Relevance in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

We assessed the presence of 'tertiary lymphoid structures' (TLS) in a series of surgically treated non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC). The TLS-density in the tumor periphery (pTLS) ranged from 0 to 1.8 (median 0.45), while in inner tumor areas (iTLS) ranged from 0 to 1.0 (median 0); (p < 0.0001). High pTLS-density was linked with early stage of the disease. Glycolysis-related enzyme expression (MCT1, Hexokinase 2) was linked with high pTLS-density (p < 0.05). High pTLS and iTLS densities were linked with better postoperative prognosis (p = 0.02 and p = 0.01, respectively). Assessment of TLS is a useful prognostic marker in NSCLC.

Increased glucose influx and glycogenesis in lung cancer cells surviving after irradiation.

PURPOSE: Lung cancer is considered as one of the most frequent malignancies worldwide. Radiotherapy is the main treatment modality applied for locally advanced disease, but remnant surviving cancer tissue results in disease progression in the majority of irradiated lung carcinomas. Metabolic reprogramming is regarded as a cancer hallmark and is associated with resistance to radiation therapy. Here, we explored metabolic alterations possibly related to cancer cell radioresistance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared the expression of metabolism-related enzymes in the parental A549 lung cancer cell line along with two new cell lines derived from A549 cells after recovery from three (A549-IR3) and six (A549-IR6) irradiation doses with 4 Gy. Differential GLUT1 and GYS1 expression on proliferation and radioresistance were also comparatively investigated. RESULTS: A549-IR cells displayed increased extracellular glucose absorption, and enhanced mRNA and protein levels of the GLUT1 glucose transporter. GLUT1 inhibition with BAY-876, suppressed cell proliferation and the effect was significantly more profound on A549-IR3 cells. Protein levels of molecules associated with aerobic or anaerobic glycolysis, or the phosphate pentose pathway were similar in all three cell lines. However, glycogen synthase 1 (GYS1) was upregulated, especially in the A549-IR3 cell line, suggestive of glycogen accumulation in cells surviving post irradiation. GYS1-gene silencing repressed the proliferation capacity of A549, but this increased their radioresistance. The radio-protective effect of the suppression of proliferative activity induced by GYS1 silencing did not protect A549-IR3 cells against further irradiation. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that GYS1 activity is a critical component of the metabolism of lung cancer cells surviving after fractionated radiotherapy. Targeting the glycogen metabolic reprogramming after irradiation may be a valuable approach to pursue eradication of the post-radiotherapy remnant of disease.

Safety and efficacy of ovarian tissue autotransplantation: A systematic literature review.

Ovarian tissue autotransplantation is an innovative fertility preservation technique that has provoked ongoing investigations. The purpose of the present study was to assess the safety and reproductive performance of ovarian tissue autotransplantation. This review is conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 3427 patients underwent ovarian tissue cryopreservation and 205 received an autotransplantation. Tissue retrieval was mainly performed by laparoscopy and only one major complication occurred. Transplantations were predominantly performed by open procedures and data on safety were insufficient. A total of 295 autotransplantations were analyzed, resulting in 104 pregnancies. Sixty-five pregnancies led to live births, while nine were ongoing at that time. A pregnancy rate (PR) of 50.7% and a live-birth rate (LBR) of 32.7% were observed. Natural conception accounted for 46.3% of live births. No birth deficits were recorded. Ovarian tissue autotransplantation seems to be a safe procedure with acceptable pregnancy rates.

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, PD-L1, and MMR-deficiency combined characterization may identify subgroups of rectal cancer patients who would benefit from immunotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: Mismatch repair deficiency, immunological fertility, and PD-L1 expression status are key histopathological and molecular features defining tumor responsiveness to immunotherapy and, eventually, prognosis. These were investigated in a series of locally advanced rectal cancer patients treated with postoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) density was assessed in hematoxylin-eosin tissue sections. PD-L1 expression and the expression of MMR proteins (MLH1, PSM2, MSH2, and MSH6) were assessed with immunohistochemistry. Their association with histopathological variables (node involvement and tumor budding) and prognosis was assessed. RESULTS: The TIL-density was significantly higher in the invading tumor front and was inversely related to tumor budding and directly with better overall survival (OS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) (p = 0.02 and 0.02, respectively). Cancer cell PD-L1 expression was related to high TIL-density (p < 0.01) but not to prognosis, although its overexpression defined a trend for poorer OS in patients with high TIL-density. High PD-L1 expression by stroma infiltrating immune cells was linked with better OS and DMFS (p = 0.007 and 0.001, respectively. MMR deficiency was recorded in 26.2 % of cases, and this was linked with higher TIL-density, but not with prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Dense intratumoral lymphocytic infiltration relates to a better prognosis in rectal cancer, although it is also linked with PD-L1 expression that may adversely modulate the anti-tumor effects of TILs. This latter subgroup of patients (high TIL-density/high cancer cell PD-L1 expression) could be an additional target for anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy, along with the established subgroup of MMR deficient patients.

The Prognostic Value of Ultrasound Findings in Preoperatively Distinguishing between Uncomplicated and Complicated Types of Pediatric Acute Appendicitis Based on Correlation with Intraoperative and Histopathological Findings.

OBJECTIVE: This study compares the preoperative ultrasound findings of all children with a clinical picture of acute appendicitis on the basis of intraoperative and histopathological findings to assess the feasibility of this approach in preoperatively distinguishing between uncomplicated and complicated cases. METHODS: This retrospective study includes 224 pediatric patients who underwent ultrasound prior to appendectomy at our institution between January 2016 and February 2022. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between sonographic and intraoperative histopathological findings. RESULTS: Of the 224 participants, 61.1% were intraoperatively diagnosed with uncomplicated appendicitis (59.8% male). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that patients with a higher appendiceal diameter, presence of appendicolith, and peritonitis were more likely to suffer from complicated appendicitis. Finally, the common anatomical position of the appendix and an appendiceal diameter greater than 6 mm had the highest sensitivity (94.6% and 94.5%, respectively) for predicting complicated appendicitis, with the most specific (99.3%) sonographic finding being the existence of an abscess. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative abdominal ultrasound in children with a clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis can distinguish between uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis in most cases of pediatric appendicitis. A higher appendiceal diameter, the presence of appendicolith, and peritonitis are parameters noted by ultrasound that strongly predict complicated appendicitis.

Prognostic and Predictive Relevance of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Squamous Cell Head-Neck Cancer Patients Treated with Radical Radiotherapy/Chemo-Radiotherapy.

Microenvironmental conditions control the entrance and thriving of cytotoxic lymphocytes in tumors, allowing or preventing immune-mediated cancer cell death. We investigated the role of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) density in the outcome of radiotherapy in a series of squamous cell head−neck tumors (HNSCC). Moreover, we assessed the link between markers of hypoxia and TIL density. One-hundred twenty-one patients with HNSCC treated prospectively with radical radiotherapy/chemo-radiotherapy were analyzed. The assessment of TIL density was performed on hematoxylin and eosin biopsy sections before radiotherapy. TIL density ranged from 0.8 to 150 lymphocytes per ×40 optical field (median 27.5). Using the median value, patients were grouped into two categories of low and high TIL density. Early T-stage tumors had a significantly higher TIL density (p < 0.003), but we found no association with N-stage. Overexpression of HIF1α, HIF2α, and CA9 was significantly linked with poor infiltration by TILs (p < 0.03). A significant association of high TIL density with better disease-specific overall survival and improved locoregional relapse-free survival was noted (p = 0.008 and 0.02, respectively), which was also confirmed in multivariate analysis. It is concluded that HNSCC phenotypes that allow for the intratumoral accumulation of lymphocytes have a better outcome following radical radiotherapy/chemo-radiotherapy. Intratumoral-activated HIF- and CA9-related pathways characterize immunologically cold tumors and may be used as targets for therapeutic interventions.

Expression of CD47 and SIRPα Macrophage Immune-Checkpoint Pathway in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Cancer cells escape macrophage phagocytosis by expressing the CD47 integrin-associated protein that binds to the SIRPα ligand (signal regulatory protein alpha) expressed by macrophages. Immunotherapy targeting this pathway is under clinical development. METHODS: We investigated the expression of CD47/SIRPα molecules in a series of 98 NSCLCs, in parallel with the infiltration of tumor stroma by CD68+ macrophages, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and PD-L1/PD-1 molecules. RESULTS: Extensive membranous CD47 expression by cancer cells characterized 29/98 cases. SIRPα and CD68 were expressed, to a varying extent, by tumor-associated macrophages (Μφ, TAMs). A high CD68Mφ-score in inner tumor areas was linked with improved overall survival (p = 0.005); and this was independent of the stage (p = 0.02, hazard ratio 0.4). In contrast, high SIRPα expression by CD68+ TAMs (SIRPα/CD68-ratio) was linked with CD47 expression by cancer cells, low TIL-score, and poor prognosis (p = 0.02). A direct association of CD47 expression by cancer cells and the % FOXP3+ TILs (p = 0.01, r = 0.25) was also noted. CONCLUSIONS: TAMs play an important role in the prognosis of operable NSCLC. As SIRPα+ macrophages adversely affect prognosis, it is suggested that the CD47/SIRPα axis is a sound target for adjuvant immunotherapy policies, aiming to improve the cure rates in operable NSCLC.