Fig. 1: Characterization and prognostic impact of TLS in ESCC.

A Representative image of TLS+ and TLS- detected in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor sections by haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and images of TLS+ detected by immunohistochemistry staining showing CD3 + T cell zones and CD20 + B cell zones (scale bar = 100 μm). Kaplan–Meier curves for RFS (B) and OS (C) in ESCC patients based on the presence of TLS. TLS tertiary lymphoid structures, ESCC esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, RFS recurrence-free survival, OS overall survival.