Prognostic significance of CD3+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in patients with endometrial carcinoma.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate tumor-infiltrating leukocytes in patients with endometrial carcinoma.

Patients And Methods: Cluster of differentiation (CD)3(+), CD8(+) and C20(+) tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and CD68(+) tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) were evaluated retrospectively by immunohistochemistry in tumor specimen from 124 patients with endometrial carcinoma.

Results: A significant decrease of CD3(+) TILs and an increase of CD68(+) TAM count was associated with higher tumor stage. In patients with early-stage, high-risk tumors, low intraepithelial CD3(+) TIL counts were associated with significantly inferior survival. In multivariate analysis of patients with early-stage tumors, intraepithelial CD3(+) TIL counts were an independent predictor of survival.

Conclusion: In patients with endometrial carcinoma a decrease of intraepithelial CD3(+) TIL counts is associated with advanced stage and high risk group. Intraepithelial CD3(+) TIL counts are an independent predictor of survival in patients with early tumors.