Src kinase-associated phosphoprotein2 expression is associated with poor prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In certain human cancer types, Src is associated with cancer progression and refractory cancer. To improve the prognoses of NSCLC patients, we evaluated Src kinase-associated phosphoprotein 2 (SKAP2), a factor associated with integrin-stimulated cytoskeletal rearrangement, as a new therapeutic target.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed immunohistochemistry for SKAP2 in 99 NSCLC samples and evaluated the relationship between SKAP2 expression, clinicopathological factors and prognosis.

RESULTS

Higher SKAP2 expression was detected in cancerous tissues and was predominantly expressed in the cytoplasm. Elevated SKAP2 expression levels were associated with poor prognosis (p=0.007) and shorter survival time after recurrence (p=0.035). High SKAP2 expression was an independent prognostic factor in NSCLC patients (p=0.027).

CONCLUSION

High SKAP2 expression levels in NSCLC tissues could be a powerful biomarker of poor prognosis. Therefore, SKAP2 is a promising candidate molecular target for NSCLC treatment.