How is the Effectiveness of Immunotherapies Evaluated Histologically?
The effectiveness of immunotherapies is often evaluated by examining tissue samples before and after treatment. Key aspects include:
- Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs): The presence and density of TILs in tumor tissues can indicate how well the immune system is responding to therapy.
- Apoptosis and Necrosis: Increased levels of cell death within tumors can be a sign of effective immunotherapy. Histological staining methods like TUNEL assay are used to detect apoptotic cells.
- Changes in Tumor Microenvironment: Histological analysis can reveal changes in the tumor microenvironment, such as alterations in blood vessels, stromal cells, and extracellular matrix, which can affect therapy outcomes.
