Solid tumors have the tendency to grow in normal tissue. By using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, the junction between solid tumors and normal tissue can be observed, revealing features such as vascular morphology. The histological growth pattern (HGP) of liver metastatic lesions can be categorized into two main types: alternative growth and connective tissue hyperplasia. Each subtype of HGP has distinct angiogenic patterns and immune cell infiltration statuses. The replacement histological growth pattern (r-HGP) grows directly around normal blood vessels without the need for neovascularization. Tumors with this pattern do not respond significantly to anti-angiogenic therapy or immunotherapy. On the other hand, the desmoplastic histological growth pattern (d-HGP) causes an inflammatory response in the junctional area between tumor cells and immune cells. The inflammation area promotes angiogenesis and suppresses immune cells. Controlled doses of anti-angiogenic therapy can improve vascular function in d-HGP and enhance the effect of tumor immunotherapy. However, this treatment option is only effective in d-HGP with disrupted vessels. Therefore, evaluating HGP in liver metastatic tumors is crucial before considering the combination of normalization of vascular function with immunotherapy.

Yu Chen, Jiancheng Li, Hao Cai, Houjun Jia. Normalizing Function of Vessels in Desmoplastic Histopathological Growth Pattern, a Way to Restore the Immune Microenvironment in the Liver Metastases. Frontiers in Medical Science Research (2023) Vol. 5, Issue 11: 19-28. https://doi.org/10.25236/FMSR.2023.051103.

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