Abstract
The overall aim of this prospective study was to delineate the role of monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (Mo-MDSCs) in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). MDSCs are a heterogeneous group of immunosuppressive cells often enriched in different malignancies which hold prognostic and predictive value for clinical outcomes. Here, we assessed the clinical significance of Mo-MDSCs in 54 patients with de novo or distant recurrent MBC. We show that high levels of Mo-MDSCs significantly correlated with de novo MBC (metastatic disease at initial diagnosis), estrogen receptor (ER) negativity, and liver- and bone metastasis. A trend towards an association between high levels of Mo-MDSCs and survival (P = 0.053) was also found in patients with distant recurrent ER-positive MBC. We therefore propose that an increased population of Mo-MDSCs may be related to the metastatic or immunoregulatory switch associated with transition to a more systemic disease. Our data imply that high levels of systemic Mo-MDSCs represent patients with more aggressive disease and worse outcome.
Highlights
Breast cancer is the most common form of malignancy in women [1] and survival has improved, due to enhanced diagnostics and adjuvant therapies, breast cancer can recur after many years [2, 3]
Bone metastases were most prevalent (42 patients; 78%), followed by lymph node and lung metastases (23 patients; 43% and 21 patients; 39%, respectively). 16 patients were diagnosed with liver metastasis (30%). 12 patients (22%) had de novo metastatic breast cancer (MBC) at initial breast cancer diagnosis, while 42 patients (78%) in the studied group were diagnosed with distant recurrence
In the present study we evaluated the role of systemic monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MoMDSCs) in patients with newly diagnosed MBC
Summary
Breast cancer is the most common form of malignancy in women [1] and survival has improved, due to enhanced diagnostics and adjuvant therapies, breast cancer can recur after many years [2, 3]. Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy (2020) 69:435–448 investigated, it is known that some immune cells are able to recognize and eliminate tumor cells, a mechanism called immunosurveillance [5, 6]. MDSCs are a heterogeneous group of highly immunosuppressive cells that accumulate during severe pathological conditions such as sepsis, trauma and cancer [9,10,11]. They function to dampen excessive immune responses and limit or promote repair of tissue damage [9, 10]. The role of MDSCs in breast cancer patients remains relatively unexplored
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
