The prognostic role of tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes in oral squamous cell carcinoma: A meta‐analysis

It has been suggested that tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are associated with the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, the prognostic value of TILs is inconclusive due to the heterogeneity of immune cells within the tumour microenvironment. In this meta‐analysis, we aimed to assess the prognostic value of TILs in OSCC. The PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched up to April 20, 2019, and 33 studies were ultimately included in this meta‐analysis. Our pooled meta‐analysis showed that high infiltration of CD8+ TILs, CD45RO+ TILs and CD57+ TILs favoured better overall survival (OS). However, high infiltration of CD68+ macrophages and CD163+ macrophages was associated with poor prognosis in OSCC. These findings suggest that CD8+ TILs, CD45RO+ TILs, CD57+ TILs, CD68+ macrophages and CD163+ macrophages might serve as novel prognostic factors and therapeutic targets in OSCC.