Extrafollicular PD-1 and intrafollicular CD3 expression are associated with Survival in follicular lymphoma

Publication date: Available online 23 June 2017 Source:Clinical Lymphoma Myeloma and Leukemia Author(s): Kedmi Meirav, Schiby Ginette, Tadmor Tamar, Barshack Iris, Nagler Arnon, Avigdor Abraham Both microenvironment and tumor biomarkers impact outcome in follicular lymphoma (FL). We aimed to study the effect of Ki-67, CD3, CD68 and PD-1 expression on outcome of FL. Forty eight patients were included. Stained slides were visually assessed and markers expression was correlated with outcome. Both intra and extra-follicular expression of Ki-67, CD68 and PD-1 were evaluated. CD3 was evaluated only in the intra follicular area. The median values of expression served as a cutoff point for low and high expression groups. High extrafollicular PD-1 expression predicted superior FFTF (freedom from treatment failure) compared to low expression (5-year 52% vs. 44%, p=0.04). 5-year FFTF markedly increased from 37% to 67% (p=0.057) in patients with low intra-follicular CD3 expression. Our study supports the hypothesis that survival in FL depends on the immunologic cross talk between malignant cells and microenvironment. However, the specific types of cells that influence the clinical behavior of FL are still unknown.

Source: Clinical Lymphoma Myeloma and Leukemia - June 23, 2017 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research