The dual role of inflammation and tertiary lymphoid structures in tumor progression and immunity: a literature review and our experience

In the last decade, the term tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) has gained significant attention and is used to describe ectopic lymphoid organs that exhibit characteristics similar to secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs) and form in response to chronic inflammation. TLSs are closely related to cancer development and might serve as a predictive factor for patient prognosis. The relationship between tumors and TLSs is complex due to the influence of tumor-derived cytokines on the expression of TLS-derived cytokines and vice versa. Many articles have addressed TLSs and their significance in various carcinomas, and this study focuses on improving comprehension of the intrinsic mechanisms by which TLSs impact patient prognosis. This work is supported by data from our previous study on TLSs in patients with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. However, literature data on the presence of TLSs in different neoplastic diseases remain scarce.