Distribution and density of tertiary lymphoid structures predict clinical outcome in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The prognostic value and clinical relevance of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) remain unclear. Thus, we aimed to investigate the prognostic value and functional involvement of TLSs in iCCA.

METHODS

We retrospectively included 962 patients from 3 cancer centers across China. The TLSs at different anatomic subregions were quantified and correlated with overall survival (OS) by Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses. Multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) was applied to characterize the composition of TLSs in 39 iCCA samples.

RESULTS

A quaternary TLS scoring system was established for the intra-tumor region (T score) and peri-tumor region (P score) respectively. T scores positively correlated with favorable prognosis (p <0.001), whereas a high P score signified worse survival (p <0.001). mIHC demonstrated that both T follicular helper and regulatory T cells were significantly increased in intra-tumoral TLSs compared to peri-tumoral counterparts (p <0.05), and regulatory T cell frequencies within intra-tumoral TLSs were positively associated with P score (p <0.05) rather than T score. Collectively, the combination of T and P scores stratified iCCAs into 4 immune classes with distinct prognoses (p <0.001) that differed in the abundance and distribution pattern of TLSs. Patients displaying an immune-active pattern had the lowest risk, with 5-year OS rates of 68.8%, whereas only 3.4% of patients with an immune-excluded pattern survived at 5 years (p <0.001). The C-index of the immune class was statistically higher than the TNM staging system (0.73 vs. 0.63, p <0.001). These results were validated in an internal and 2 external cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

The spatial distribution and abundance of TLSs significantly correlated with prognosis and provided a useful immune classification for iCCA. T follicular helper and regulatory T cells may play a critical role in determining the functional orientation of spatially different TLSs.

LAY SUMMARY

Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) are associated with favorable prognosis in a number of cancers. However, their role in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) remains unclear. Herein, we comprehensively evaluated the spatial distribution, abundance, and cellular composition of TLSs in iCCA, and revealed the opposite prognostic impacts of TLSs located within or outside the tumor. This difference could be mediated by the different immune cell subsets present within the spatially distinct TLSs. Based on our analysis, we were able to stratify iCCAs into 4 immune subclasses associated with varying prognoses.

[Clinicopathological features of polymorphous low-grade neuroepithelial tumor of the young]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features, diagnosis and prognosis of polymorphous low-grade neuroepithelial tumor of the young (PLNTY). Methods: Two cases of PLNTY diagnosed during January 2016 to December 2019 were collected from Ningbo Diagnostic Pathology Center, Zhejiang, China. The clinical features, histopathological characteristics, immunohistochemical and molecular genetic findings were analyzed and the relevant literature was reviewed. Results: The two patients were both female, at the ages of 14 and 25 years, respectively. Both patients presented with seizure attacks. The imaging study showed a mixed signal in the cerebral cortex, located in the occipital and temporal lobes, respectively. Microscopically, the tumors were characterized by the invariable presence of oligodendroglioma-like appearance, often with calcification. Immunohistochemically, the tumors were diffusely and intensely CD34 positive with ramified, CD34-expressing neural elements in regional cortex. The tumors were positive for GFAP, Olig2 and ATRX, and negative for IDH1, Neu N, nestin and EMA. The Ki-67 labeling index was less than 2%. The case number 2 harbored the BRAF V600E mutation, while the case number 1 was negative for both the BRAF V600E mutation and 1p/19q codeletion. Both patients recovered very well and were free of seizures after the following-up of 2 and 24 months, respectively. Conclusions: PLNTY is an uncommon neuroepithelial tumor. Histopathologic and immunohistochemical examinations are necessary for establishing the diagnosis and for excluding oligodendroglioma. PLNTY should be considered as a benign tumor corresponding to WHO Grade I. The prognosis is overall good after complete tumor-resection.

Fast-track surgery improves postoperative recovery in patients undergoing partial hepatectomy for primary liver cancer: A prospective randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Fast-track surgery (FTS), combining several techniques with evidence-based adjustments, has shown its effectiveness to accelerate recovery, reduce morbidity and shorten hospital stay in many operations. This randomized controlled study was carried out aiming to compare the short-term outcomes of partial hepatectomy for liver cancer managed with FTS or with conventional surgery (CS).

METHODS

To compare the short-term effects between FTS and CS, a randomized controlled trial was carried out for liver cancer patients undergoing partial hepatectomy from September 2010 to June 2012.

RESULTS

Patients with liver cancers before receiving partial hepatectomy were randomized into the FTS group (n = 80) and the CS group (n = 80). Compared with the CS group, the FTS group had significantly less complications (P < 0.05), shorter durations of nausea/vomiting, paralytic ileus and hospital stay, higher general comfort questionnaire measures (GCQ) by Kolcaba Line (all P < 0.05), and lower serum levels of C-reactive protein on postoperative days 1, 3, and 5.

CONCLUSIONS

FTS was safe and efficacious. It lessened postoperative stress reactions and accelerated recovery for patients undergoing partial hepatectomy for liver cancer.

Hemoglobinopathies in Xinjiang

The present report summarizes the results of a search for hemoglobinopathies in 142,171 persons in Xinjiang, the results of structural analyses of abnormal hemoglobins in 134 families, and the incidence and distribution of abnormal hemoglobins and the thalassemias in eight ethnic groups or nationalities.