Both, the density and anti-tumor activity of cytotoxic lymphocytes such as γδ T cells, CD8+ T cells, T helper 1 (TH1)-polarized CD4+ T cells, memory T cells or NK cells, as well as tumor-associated B cells, and some activated myeloid cell subsets, are associated with a favorable outcome for patients. The gene discussed is CD8A; the disease is neoplasm.