Transarterial embolization induces increased lymphocyte infiltration in
embolized tumors. Box and whisker plots show (A) the
average number of CD3+, CD8+, FOXP3+,
and CD4+ cells (intrastromal and intratumoral cells) at 2
days (n = 7), 7 days (n = 12), and 12
days (n = 17) after embolization relative to control
(CTRL) tumors that were not embolized (n = 12);
(B) the average number of cells within the intratumoral
compartment of embolized tumors at 2, 7, and 12 days after embolization
relative to control tumors that were not embolized; and (C)
the average percentage of immune cells found within the intratumoral
compartment expressed as a percentage of total number of cells
(intrastromal plus intratumoral cells) at 2, 7, and 12 days after
embolization relative to control tumors that were not embolized.
Whiskers indicate maximum and minimum values. Boxes extend from the 25th
to 75th percentiles. The line in the middle of the box is plotted at the
median. * = P < .05, ** =
P < .01, and *** =
P < .001 according to the generalized
estimating equation model. Significant P values (left
to right): in A, .02, .03, .01, <.001; in
B, .02, .02, .001, <.001; and in C,
.02, .007, .01, .002. (D) Representative images of
histologic staining of CD3, CD8, FOXP3, and CD4 cell markers in
embolized and control tumors. (E) Representative
low-magnification image shows CD3+ cell infiltration into a
hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumor 12 days after embolization.
(F) Representative image demonstrates intrastromal
CD3+ cells (pink markers) and intratumoral
CD3+ cells (green markers) within HCC specimens.