The clinical relevance of regional lymph node microarchitecture in oesophageal cancer patients - Results from the UK MRC OE02 trial.
Eur J CancerJun 29, 2026 (epub)
Maximilian Kloft, Elzbieta Budginaite, Henry C Woodruff et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial examined the impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on lymph node microarchitecture in 333 oesophageal cancer patients. It found that germinal centre density in tumour-negative lymph nodes was significantly lower in patients receiving chemotherapy plus surgery compared to those undergoing surgery alone (1% vs 2%; p = 0.0004).
Key findings
- Germinal centre density in tumour-negative lymph nodes was lower in chemotherapy plus surgery patients (1% vs 2%; p = 0.0004).
- Low histiocyte content in lymph nodes was associated with improved overall survival in surgery-only patients (HR:0.67, p = 0.03).
- Multivariable analysis confirmed the independent prognostic significance of low histiocytes in tumour-negative lymph nodes (HR:0.62, p = 0.01).
Why it matters
Understanding the relationship between lymph node microarchitecture and treatment outcomes can help clinicians assess immune responses in oesophageal cancer patients, potentially guiding personalized treatment strategies.