The prognostic influence of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes in cancer: A systematic review with meta-analysis

Abstract

Background:Tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are often found in tumours, presumably reflecting an immune response against the tumour. We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis, aiming to establish pooled estimates for survival outcomes based on the presence of TILs in cancer.Methods:A Pubmed and Embase literature search was designed. Studies were included, in which the prognostic significance of intratumoural CD3, CD4, CD8, and FoxP3 lymphocytes, as well as ratios between these subsets, were determined in solid tumours.Results:In pooled analysis, CD3 TILs had a positive effect on survival with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.58 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.43-0.78) for death, as did CD8 TILs with a HR of 0.71 (95% CI 0.62-0.82). FoxP3 regulatory TILs were not linked to overall survival, with a HR of 1.19 (95% CI 0.84-1.67). The CD8/FoxP3 ratio produced a more impressive HR (risk of death: HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.34-0.68), but was used in relatively few studies. Sample size and follow-up time seemed to influence study outcomes.Conclusion:Any future studies should be carefully designed, to prevent overestimating the effect of TILs on prognosis. In this context, ratios between TIL subsets may be more informative. © 2011 Cancer Research UK All rights reserved.