Spatial distribution of tumor‐resident macrophages as predictive biomarkers in endometrial cancer

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundTo investigate the role of CD47 expression and its relationship with tumor‐resident macrophages, specifically at the tumor margin, in patients with type II endometrial cancer. This study aims to elucidate whether CD47 could serve as a prognostic marker and to understand the dynamics between CD47 and macrophages, which could inform new therapeutic strategies.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 75 patients of type II endometrial. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to assess CD47 expression and macrophage markers (CD68 and CD163).ResultsThe study found no direct correlation between CD47 expression levels and overall survival (p = 0.32), challenging its role as an independent prognostic marker in type II endometrial cancer. The higher expression of CD47 had significantly less incidence of endometrioid carcinoma G3 (p = 0.047). The negative correlation between CD47 H‐score and the density of CD68‐positive macrophages at tumor margin was statistically significant (p = 0.049). A high density of CD68‐positive macrophages at the tumor margin but a low density of CD163‐positive macrophages at the tumor margin were associated with poorer prognosis (p = 0.036).ConclusionsThe complex interaction between CD47 and macrophages, particularly at the tumor margin, suggests new avenues for targeted therapy in type II endometrial cancer.