Beta-catenin expression is prognostic of improved non-small cell lung cancer survival

Am J Surg. 2012 May;203(5):654-659. doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2012.01.002. Epub 2012 Mar 7.

Abstract

Introduction: The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency and prognostic significance of beta-catenin expression in a cohort of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

Methods: Tissue microarrays were constructed using clinically annotated formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor samples from individuals diagnosed with NSCLC who underwent surgical resection with curative intent and had beta-catenin expression status determined by immunohistochemistry.

Results: Negative beta-catenin expression was seen in 28% (103/370) of NSCLC cases and was prognostic of a reduced overall patient survival (P = .008) and also was significantly correlated with the presence of lymphatic invasion (P = .015). In multivariate analysis, the loss of beta-catenin expression retained independent prognostic significance and showed an adjusted hazard ratio of 3.18 (confidence interval, 1.46-6.91, P = .004) for reduced patient survival when adjusting for the presence of lymphatic invasion, tumor grade, nodal status, and tumor stage.

Conclusions: Beta-catenin represents an important prognostic marker in individuals diagnosed with surgically resectable NSCLC.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / metabolism*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / mortality*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Lung Neoplasms / mortality*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prognosis
  • Survival Analysis
  • beta Catenin / biosynthesis*

Substances

  • beta Catenin