Prognostic significance of PD-1 and PD-L1 positive tumor-infiltrating immune cells in ovarian carcinoma. Issue 9 (November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Buderath, Paul; Mairinger, Fabian; Mairinger, Elena; Böhm, Katharina; Mach, Pawel; Schmid, Kurt Werner; Kimmig, Rainer; Kasimir-Bauer, Sabine; Bankfalvi, Agnes; Westerwick, Daniela; Hager, Thomas
• Is Part Of: International journal of gynecological cancer. Volume 29:Issue 9(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-11
• Subjects: cystadenocarcinoma -- cystadenocarcinoma, serous -- ovarian cancer -- ovarian neoplasms -- pathology; Generative organs, Female -- Cancer -- Periodicals; 616.99465
• DOI: 10.1136/ijgc-2019-000609
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1048-891X

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Ovarian carcinoma is associated with the highest mortality of all gynecologic malignancies. Even after optimal treatment, prognosis remains poor. There is no established biomarker to predict individual patient outcome. Objective: To evaluate the prognostic significance of PD-1 and PD-L1 expression in tumor tissues from patients with ovarian cancer. Methods: Tissue micro-arrays were prepared from routinely formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor tissues and examined immunohistochemically for the expression of programed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and one of its ligands (PD-L1) on epithelial tumor cells, as well as on tumor- and stroma-infiltrating immune cells. Results: The presence of PD-1 positive tumor-infiltrating immune cells was significantly associated with prolonged overall survival. PD-1 and PD-L1 positive tumor-infiltrating immune cells were associated with the presence of lymph node metastases and higher tumor grade. Interestingly, the amount of PD-1/PD-L1 positive tumor- and stroma-infiltrating immune cells independent of PD-1 or PD-L1 expression did not show any significant correlation with prognostic variables. Conclusion: Our results highlight the prognostic value of PD-1 and PD-L1 positive tumor-infiltrating immune cells in ovarian carcinoma. Their association with favorable prognosis supports the hypothesis that the expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 on tumor-infiltrating immune cells represents a strong immune response.