Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes: apparently good for melanoma patients. But why?

Cancer Immunol Immunother. 2011 Aug;60(8):1153-60. doi: 10.1007/s00262-011-1026-2. Epub 2011 May 7.

Abstract

Tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes (TILs) are observed in a number of human primary or metastatic tumors. Recently, gene expression profiling experiments suggested that the presence of T cells in metastatic melanomas before vaccinating the patients with tumor antigens could be a biomarker for clinical benefit from the vaccines. In this context, we review results pertaining to TILs in human melanomas, their prognostic value, and some possible reasons why their presence could help in selecting melanoma patients for vaccination against tumor-specific antigens.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / immunology
  • Biomarkers, Pharmacological* / metabolism
  • Cancer Vaccines*
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Humans
  • Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating / immunology*
  • Melanoma / diagnosis*
  • Melanoma / immunology
  • Melanoma / pathology
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Patient Selection
  • Prognosis
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Skin Neoplasms / immunology
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Antigens, Neoplasm
  • Biomarkers, Pharmacological
  • Cancer Vaccines