Tertiary lymphoid structures in breast cancer: formation, immune functions and clinical implications - Report - MDSpire

Tertiary lymphoid structures in breast cancer: formation, immune functions and clinical implications

  • By

  • Wenting Dong

  • Shichao Ai

  • Xiaofei Shen

  • Yongzhong Yao

  • June 2, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Tertiary Lymphoid Structures in Breast Cancer

Overview

This report reviews the role of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) in breast cancer, highlighting their complex biological significance.

Background

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women, with tumor microenvironment factors influencing clinical outcomes. Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) have emerged as key components of the tumor microenvironment.

Data Highlights

No numerical data available in the source material.

Key Findings

  • TLS are ectopic lymphoid aggregates that develop in non-lymphoid tissues under chronic inflammation.
  • The significance of TLS in breast cancer is context-dependent, with variations in maturity, location, and immune composition.
  • Some studies report complex or unfavorable associations with TLS.
  • Methods for TLS identification include histopathology, immunophenotyping, and transcriptomic inference.
  • Standardized classification of TLS is necessary for clinical translation.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider the heterogeneity of TLS when evaluating breast cancer prognosis and treatment responses. A nuanced understanding of TLS maturation and context may inform therapeutic strategies and patient management.

Conclusion

Tertiary lymphoid structures represent a promising area of research in breast cancer, with their clinical relevance requiring further exploration and standardization.

Related Resources & Content

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  5. NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Breast Cancer, Version 5.2025 - PubMed
  6. Tertiary lymphoid structures in cancer: spatiotemporal heterogeneity, immune orchestration, and translational opportunities | Journal of Hematology & Oncology | Springer Nature Link
  7. TLScope: a deep learning framework for quantifying tertiary lymphoid structures from H&E images reveals prognostic heterogeneity across breast cancer subtypes - PMC
  8. NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Breast Cancer, Version 5.2025 - PubMed
  9. Tertiary lymphoid structures in cancer: spatiotemporal heterogeneity, immune orchestration, and translational opportunities | Journal of Hematology & Oncology | Springer Nature Link
  10. TLScope: a deep learning framework for quantifying tertiary lymphoid structures from H&E images reveals prognostic heterogeneity across breast cancer subtypes - PMC

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