Mast cells positive to tryptase and tumour-associated macrophages correlate with angiogenesis in locally advanced colorectal cancer patients undergone to surgery

Objective. The density of mast cells positive to tryptase (MCDPT) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) were evaluated in a series of 87 patients with stage B and C colorectal cancer who had undergone radical surgery.Methods. MCDPT, TAMs, microvascular density (MVD), endothelial area (EA) and CD8+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (CD8+ TILs) were evaluated in tumor tissue samples by immunohistochemistry and image analysis. Each of the above parameters was correlated with the others and with the main clinico-pathological features.Results. A significant correlation between MCDPT, TAMs, MVD and EA was found by Pearson t-test analysis. With special references to the clinico-pathological features a minimal correlation using univariate analysis was found but it was not retained at multivariate analysis.Conclusions. Our data suggest that MCDPT and TAMs are linked in the tumor microenvironment and play a role in CRC angiogenesis in a synergistic manner. The assessment of the combination MCDPT and TAMs could be evaluated as a target of novel anti-angiogenic therapies in colorectal cancer patients.