Tumor containment by immune cells and fibrotic capsule improve survival of patients following resection of colorectal liver metastasis

Background & Aims: Liver metastases occur in 40 – 50% of patients with colorectal cancer and determine longterm survival. The aim of this study was to examine the immunologic architecture of colorectal liver metastasis and its impact on patient survival. Methods: 222 colorectal liver metastases were stained for H&E, masson trichrome, and alpha smooth muscle actin. Further, immunohistochemical stainings were analysed for CD4+, CD45RO+ and CD8+ cell numbers separately for tumor, infiltrative margin and distant liver stroma. These findings were correlated with clinical data and patient outcome. Results: Tumor conta…