To investigate the prognostic and predictive value of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and immune cell subsets in node-negative breast cancer patients treated with locoregional adjuvant radiotherapy, emphasizing the clinical relevance of TILs.
Approach:
Key Findings:
High TIL levels were associated with improved prognosis in node-negative breast cancer patients, suggesting a potential role in guiding treatment decisions.
Immune infiltration may predict differential benefit from hypofractionated radiotherapy regimens, indicating a need for personalized treatment approaches.
The prognostic value of TILs may vary based on estrogen receptor status, highlighting the importance of considering receptor status in treatment planning.
Interpretation:
The study suggests that TILs are a significant prognostic factor in node-negative breast cancer and may influence treatment decisions regarding radiotherapy regimens.
Limitations:
The study is retrospective and may be subject to selection bias, and potential confounding factors should be acknowledged.
Limited generalizability due to the specific patient population from the DBCG HYPO trial.
Conclusion:
Immune infiltration in primary tumors is prognostic for outcomes in irradiated, node-negative breast cancer patients and may predict the benefit from different radiotherapy fractionation schedules, underscoring the need for integrating immune markers into clinical decision-making.
