Advancements in Breast Cancer Treatment: The Role of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors among women worldwide, and its treatment faces many challenges. Conventional treatments have limitations in improving patient survival and quality of life, making the development of new therapeutic approaches a top priority. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy, as an emerging immunotherapeutic approach, shows great potential by harnessing the anti-tumor capacity of patients' own immune cells. This article discusses the application of TIL therapy in breast cancer and analyzes the current challenges as well as future prospects. Studies indicate that high TIL infiltration levels in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and HER2-positive subtypes are significantly associated with improved response rates to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and reduced risk of recurrence. Technological innovations such as the G-REX culture system to shorten the amplification cycle and gene editing to enhance homing efficiency have driven clinical translation. In addition, through automated preparation, liquid biopsy technology and multicenter data platforms, TIL therapy is expected to become an important tool for precision treatment of breast cancer and improve patient prognosis.