Resumen
In this investigation, we analyzed the number, type, and location of immune cells within surgically resected gastric cancer specimens treated with or without preoperative chemotherapy. We hypothesized that chemotherapy can stimulate the host immune system, as evidenced by an increased number of anti-tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in the tumor microenvironment. We found significantly elevated levels of immune cells within chemotherapy-treated tumors compared with chemotherapy-naïve specimens. We also revealed important associations between survival and immune lymphocytes in the tumor-related stromal tissue. Together, we added evidence supporting the immunostimulatory role of chemotherapy and underscore the potential utility of immunotherapy in resectable gastric cancer.