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BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation can induce a distinct inflammatory reaction with marked infiltration of lymphocytes after direct tumor destruction. In this study, we investigated the status of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) after HIFU ablation of human breast cancer and explored mechanisms that may be involved in HIFU-triggered, antitumor immune response. METHODS: A total of 48 female patients with biopsy-proven breast cancer were divided randomly into 1 of 2 groups: control group (n = 25), in which only modified radical mastectomy was performed, or HIFU group (n = 23), in which HIFU ablation of the primary breast cancer was performed prior to modified radical mastectomy. Using semiquantitative immunohistochemical analysis, tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes and subsets, B lymphocytes, and natural killer (NK) cells were assessed in all patients. Expression of Fas ligand (FasL), granzyme, and perforin on TILs was also studied in both groups. RESULTS: TILs infiltrated along the margins of the ablated region in all HIFU-treated neoplasms, and the numbers of tumor-infiltrating CD3, CD4, CD8, CD4/CD8, B lymphocytes, and NK cells was increased significantly in the HIFU group. The number of FasL(+), granzyme(+), and perforin(+) TILs was significantly greater in the HIFU group than in the control group. CONCLUSION: HIFU ablation induced marked infiltration of CD3, CD4, CD8, B lymphocytes, and NK cells in the treated breast lesions. The number of FasL(+), granzyme(+), and perforin(+) TILs was significantly increased after HIFU treatment.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.surg.2008.10.010

Type

Journal article

Journal

Surgery

Publication Date

03/2009

Volume

145

Pages

286 - 293

Keywords

Ablation Techniques, B-Lymphocytes, Breast Neoplasms, CD3 Complex, CD4 Antigens, CD8 Antigens, Cell Movement, Fas Ligand Protein, Female, Granzymes, Humans, Killer Cells, Natural, Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating, Mastectomy, Modified Radical, Middle Aged, Perforin, Prospective Studies, T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic, Ultrasonics