PD-L1 expression patterns in stage IB1 cervical squamous cell carcinoma: a retrospective study on implications for tumor budding and immune microenvironment

Background: tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) within tumor budding regions. Methods: regulatory T cells (Tregs) were quantified separately intraepithelial and stromal compartments. Results: Tregs. Conclusions: High-grade tumor budding is associated with LNM in stage IB1 CSCC. Three distinct PD-L1 expression patterns within tumor budding areas are associated with clinicopathologic features and immune cell infiltration profiles. PD-L1 expression patterns may warrant further investigation as potential biomarkers for immunotherapy response.