Tumor infiltration by T lymphocytes expressing chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) is predictive of favorable outcome in patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma

Abstract Purpose: An efficient adaptive immunity is critical for a longer survival in cancer. We investigated the prognostic value of tumor infiltration by CD8+ T cells expressing the chemokine-receptor-7 (Tccr7) and the correlation between tumor infiltration by Tccr7 and regulatory CD4+FoxP3+ T cells (Treg) in 76 metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients enrolled in a phase III trial. Experimental Design: Tccr7 and Treg cell infiltration in tumor samples was quantified by immunohistochemistry. The correlation among Tccr7, Treg tumor infiltration, and patients' outcome was evaluated. Results: High Tccr7 tumor infiltration was predictive of prolonged OS [high vs. low Tccr7 score: median 3…