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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2018 Sep 11.
Published in final edited form as: Mod Pathol. 2017 Dec 1;31(2):214–234. doi: 10.1038/modpathol.2017.156

Figure 7.

Figure 7

Future TNM staging systems for non-small cell lung carcinoma and other tumor types may include immune features. The current TNM staging system is based upon the degree of tumor invasion (T), presence and extent of nodal metastases (N), and presence of metastatic spread (M). Studies have shown that the presence and degree of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and tertiary lymphoid structures around the tumor bed may be favorable prognostic factors. Future incorporation of immune-based parameters as prognostic elements into the cancer staging system is likely in certain tumor types.