Estrogen receptor (ER) negative ductal carcinomas Breast Cancer lowered survivAL with higher CD4 counts

CD4⁺ lymphocytes were more prevalent than FOXP3⁺ TILs whereas IL-17⁺ TILs were rare. Increased numbers of total CD4⁺ and FOXP3⁺ TIL were observed in ductal, as compared with lobular carcinomas. High grade (G3) and estrogen receptor (ER) negative ductal carcinomas displayed significantly (p < 0.001) higher CD4⁺ and FOXP3⁺ lymphocyte infiltration while her2/neu over-expression in ductal carcinomas was significantly (p < 0.001) associated with higher FOXP3⁺ TIL counts. In contrast, lymphocyte infiltration was not linked to any clinico-pathological parameters in lobular cancers. In univariate but not in multivariate analysis CD4⁺ infiltration was associated with significantly shorter survival in patients bearing ductal, but not lobular cancers. However, a FOXP3⁺/CD4⁺ ratio > 1 was associated with improved overall survival even in multivariate analysis (p = 0.033).

 

Note that if they were TH1 cells. MORE TNF was produced which lowered survival,
This is why the ratio is important with CD4 cells are in minority. INCREASING THIS RATIO
CAN INCREASE SURVIVAL