Immune related proteins and tumor infiltrating CD8+ lymphocytes in hypopharyngeal cancer in relation to human papillomavirus (HPV) and clinical outcome.

Abstract

Hypopharyngeal cancer (HPSCC) shows a poor clinical outcome, while HPSCC, caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), presents a better outcome. Here, HPCC, immune proteins, and tumor infiltrating CD8+ lymphocytes (CD8+ TILs) were evaluated in relation to HPV and outcome. Fresh frozen tissue from four HPV-positive HPSCC, 39 HPV-negative HPSCC, and normal samples were analyzed for protein expression by the Proseek immuno-oncology immunoassay. CD8+ TIL numbers evaluated by immunohistochemistry on 144 formalin-fixed biopsies were analyzed in relation to clinical outcome. Proteins differing between HPV-positive and negative HPSCC included CD8A, PD-L1, Fas ligand, and chemokines. High CD8+ TIL numbers were correlated to improve clinical outcome in HPV-negative HPSCC. High expression of immune proteins in HPV-positive HPSCC may explain the better clinical outcome. CD8+ TILs are of relevance for outcome of HPV-negative HPSCC, while tumors with high immune activity but poor patient survival suggest a role for immune therapy.