The prognostic values of FOXP3+ tumor-infiltrating T cells in breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
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Yalan Sun [1] ; Ying Wang [1] ; Fang Lu [1] ; Xianghong Zhao [1] ; Zhenlin Nie [2] ; Bangshun He [1]
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[1] China Pharmaceutical University
China Pharmaceutical University
China
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[2] Nanjing Medical University
Nanjing Medical University
China
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- Localización: Clinical & translational oncology, ISSN 1699-048X, Vol. 25, Nº. 6, 2023, págs. 1830-1843
- Idioma: inglés
- Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
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Resumen
Background Tumor microenvironment is infiltrated by many immune cells, of which Regulatory T (Treg) cells are usually considered as negative regulators of the immune responses. However, the effect of FOXP3+ (forkhead box transcription factor 3) Treg cells infiltrated into the tumor areas on the prognosis of breast cancer is controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to dissect the potential values of FOXP3+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) as a prognosis predictor of breast cancer.
Methods After systematic retrieval of all relevant studies, 28 eligible articles were identified for meta-analysis. Odd ratio (OR), hazard ratio (HR), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were obtained for pooled analyses of pathological complete response (pCR), overall survival (OS), and corresponding forest plots and funnel plots were plotted, respectively.
Results Pooled results revealed that patients with higher levels of FOXP3+ TILs experienced better pCR (OR: 1.24, 95% CI 1.09–1.41) and OS (HR: 0.79, 95% CI 0.64–0.97). Subgroup analysis revealed that elevated FOXP3+ TILs were significantly associated with improved pCR (OR: 1.20, 95% CI 1.02–1.40) and OS (HR: 0.22, 95% CI 0.06–0.88) in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive (HER2+) breast cancer patients. Furthermore, FOXP3+ TILs in the stromal area were statistically correlated with the favorable pCR (OR: 1.22, 95% CI 1.08–1.38) and OS (HR: 0.68, 95% CI 0.49–0.96).
Conclusions The predictive role of FOXP3+ TILs in the prognosis of breast cancer is influenced by various factors such as molecular subtype of breast cancer and the location of Treg. In HER2+ breast cancer and triple-negative breast cancer, FOXP3+ TILs are associated with better pCR and OS. Additionally, FOXP3+ TILs in stromal represent a favourable prognosis.
