Exploratory analysis of stromal and peritumoural tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (tils) in malignant parotid gland tumours: associations with clinicopathological factors and survival.

BACKGROUND

The tumour immune microenvironment may influence prognosis in many cancers, but its significance in malignant parotid gland tumours is not well defined.

AIMS/

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate whether stromal and peritumoural tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) density is associated with clinicopathological features and overall survival in malignant parotid gland tumours.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Thirty patients who underwent surgery for malignant parotid gland tumours (2013-2024) were retrospectively analysed. Stromal and peritumoural TIL densities were assessed on haematoxylin-eosin-stained sections and recorded as percentages. For exploratory survival analysis, TIL density was grouped as low-intermediate (0-40%) or high (50-90%). Overall survival was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test.

RESULTS

Mean age was 54.9 ± 16.1 years. Higher peritumoural TIL density was associated with longer overall survival (log-rank p = 0.045). No significant relationships were found between TIL density and other clinicopathological variables.

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: These exploratory findings suggest that increased peritumoural TIL density may indicate better survival in malignant parotid gland tumours. TIL assessment could provide prognostic information, but larger prospective studies are needed.