ASSESSMENT OF STROMAL AND INTRA-EPITHELIAL TUMOR INFILTRATING LYMPHOCYTES IN COLORECTAL CARCINOMA AT ARMED FORCES INSTITUTE OF PATHOLOGY

Abstract

Objective: To conduct a morphological evaluation quantitatively of two types of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte populations, including those located in the stroma and intraepithelial cancer structures, in patients with colorectal cancer.

Study Design: Cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Rawalpindi, from Jan to Jul 2019.

Methodology: Three levels of infiltration in the stroma by tumor infiltrating lymphocytes were determined. Level 1 was weak meaning (0-20% of stromal TILs), level 2 was moderate meaning (>20-50% of stromal TILs); and level 3 was strong meaning (50-90% of stromal TILs). TILs within tumor cells were divided into two groups. 0 meaning absent (no TILs present) and 1 meaning present (≥TILs in tumor cells) 1.

Results: Out of 30 cases 22 were males and 8 females. Ages ranged between 25-83 with a mean of 57 years and a standard deviation of ± 16.4 years. All of the cases were diagnosed cases of adenocarcinoma. The levels of stromal tumor infiltrating lymphocytes was weak in 1 case, moderate in 18 cases and strong in 11 cases whereas intraepithelial lymphocytosis was seen in 22 cases.

Conclusion: These results confirm that the infiltration of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes into the tumor in patients with colorectal carcinoma serves an important role in the invasion and progression of the disease, and should be considered in routine examinations.