Phosphorylation of SMAD3 in immune cells predicts survival of patients with early stage non-small cell lung cancer.

Publication Title

J Immunother Cancer

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-1-2021

Keywords

oregon; portland; chiles

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The interplay of immune and cancer cells takes place in the tumor microenvironment where multiple signals are exchanged. The transforming growth factor beta (TGFB) pathway is known to be dysregulated in lung cancer and can impede an effective immune response. However, the exact mechanisms are yet to be determined. Especially which cells respond and where does this signaling take place with respect to the local microenvironment.

METHODS: Human non-small cell lung cancer samples were retrospectively analyzed by multiplexed immunohistochemistry for SMAD3 phosphorylation and programmed death ligand 1 expression in different immune cells with respect to their localization within the tumor tissue. Spatial relationships were studied to examine possible cell-cell interactions and analyzed in conjunction with clinical data.

RESULTS: TGFB pathway activation in CD3, CD8, Foxp3 and CD68 cells, as indicated by SMAD3 phosphorylation, negatively impacts overall and partially disease-free survival of patients with lung cancerindependent of histological subtype. A high frequency of Foxp3 regulatory T cells positive for SMAD3 phosphorylation in close vicinity of CD8 T cells within the tumor discriminate a rapidly progressing group of patients with lung cancer.

CONCLUSIONS: TGFB pathway activation of local immune cells within the tumor microenvironment impacts survival of early stage lung cancer. This might benefit patients not eligible for targeted therapies or immune checkpoint therapy as a therapeutic option to re-activate the local immune response.

Clinical Institute

Cancer

Specialty

Earle A. Chiles Research Institute

Specialty

Oncology

Specialty

Pathology & Laboratory Medicine

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