Tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T lymphocytes associated with clinical outcome in anal squamous cell carcinoma

Background The prognostic significance of tumor‐infiltrating CD8+ T lymphocytes in anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) remains unclear. We designed the study to investigate the association between CD8+ T cells and clinical prognosis among anal SCC patients. Methods The density of CD8+ T cells was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The numbers of CD8+ T cells were counted and their relationship with clinicopathological factors and survival was explored. Results A strong positive correlation was noted between intratumoral and peritumoral CD8+ T cells (r = 0.77, P