Clinicopathologic implication of ezrin expression in non-small cell lung cancer.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Ezrin, a member of the ezrin-radixin-moesin family, is implicated in tumor progression, metastatic dissemination, and adverse outcomes, in several cancer types. In this study, we explored the clinicopathological significance of ezrin expression in non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLCs).

METHODS:

Immunohistochemical analysis of tissue microarray with 112 surgically resected NSCLC specimens, was performed to examine the ezrin expression. We also correlated ezrin expression with other clinicopathological features and prognosis.

RESULTS:

The ezrin-positive group revealed significantly higher correlation with pleural invasion (p=0.016) and pathologic stage (p=0.050). Univariate survival analysis showed that ezrin-positive group had a significantly shorter cancer-specific survival than ezrin-negative group (p=0.016). Meanwhile, female (p=0.030), no pleural invasion (p=0.023), no lymphatic invasion (p=0.026), and early pathologic stage (p=0.008) significantly correlated with longer survival. Multivariate survival analysis showed that variables such as ezrin positivity (p=0.032), female (p=0.035), and early pathologic stage (p=0.001) were independent prognostic factors for NSCLC.

CONCLUSIONS:

Ezrin might be a molecular marker to predict poor prognosis of NSCLC.

• Authors: Ho Won Lee, Eui Han Kim, Mee-Hye Oh
• Journal: Korean journal of pathology (Korean J Pathol) Vol. 46 Issue 5 Pg. 470-7 (Oct 2012) ISSN: 2092-8920 [Electronic] Korea (South)
• PMID: 23136574 (Publication Type: Journal Article)