Histologic factors affecting prognosis of pure seminoma of the testis

OCT4 staining increases the detection of lymphatic/vascular invasion in pure seminoma of the testis obscured by prominent lymphohistiocytic inflammation

Lymphatic/vascular invasion (LVI) is an important prognostic feature in pure seminoma of the testis, a tumour that may be associated with lymphohistiocytic inflammation (LHI). Traditionally, LVI is identified on routine haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. We sought to determine if staining of LHI near vessels in cases of pure seminoma with OCT4 could improve detection of LVI. All available cases of pure seminoma of the testis at our institutions were reviewed and correlated with clinicopathological features. A total of 67 cases were reviewed. Traditional LVI was identified in five cases by routine H&E evaluation. LHI was associated with identifiable vessels in 13 cases. In six of these cases, neoplastic cells were identified in the lumen of vessels by H&E staining. In five additional cases, OCT4 identified neoplastic cells in the lumen of vessels. Two foci did not have neoplastic cells identified. Patients with LVI had larger tumours, were less often limited to the testicular parenchyma (other than the LVI), and more often had metastatic disease than patients without LVI. Traditional LVI was found most often in the testis, while LVI with LHI was found most often in the spermatic cord. LVI in the spermatic cord of patients with pure seminoma may be obscured by prominent LHI, and staining of such foci with OCT4 may increase the detection of LVI by 45%.

Relationship of tumor leucocytic infiltration to host defense mechanisms and prognosis

The interface between the tumor and the host is often the site of leucocytic infiltration. We will examine the idea that the infiltrating leucocytes of human and experimental tumors are components of the host immunological defense against the tumor, and that the presence of the infiltrate is a marker of favorable prognosis. Leucocytes could infiltrate tumors because of an active immune response, either nonspecific or specifically directed to tumor-associated antigens. Leucocyte influx may also occur because of chemotactic factors secreted by the tumor cells. Some tumors release factors which enhance vascular permeability and permit improved access by leucocytes to the tumor focus. The consequences of leucocytic infiltration include tumor cell cytolysis, cytostasis, or stimulation of proliferation. The present state of our knowledge of the interactions between tumor cells and infiltrating leucocytes precludes broad generalization of mechanisms. Further study will probably reveal that the mechanisms are diverse, and that there are some systems in which immune interactions occur at this interface and others in which they do not.