Tertiary lymphoid structures predict improved survival and treatment response in colorectal cancer

A newly established colorectal cancer-specific tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) signature correlates with enhanced overall survival and treatment responses in patients. In the TCGA cohort, those with high TLS scores showed significantly longer survival (p=0.008) and greater complete or partial response rates (p=0.017). The study also identified a positive association between TLS scores and tumor mutation burden, as well as increased activation of anti-tumoral pathways. This TLS signature offers potential for personalized treatment strategies.