OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of serum solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), a key regulator of ferroptosis, in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

A prospective observational study was conducted on 142 patients diagnosed with stage IIIB or IV NSCLC. Serum SLC7A11 levels, along with traditional tumor markers including carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA 21-1), cancer antigen 125 (CA125), and cancer antigen 15-3 (CA15-3), were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Patients were followed for one year, and demographic, clinical, and survival data were collected. The required sample size was calculated a priori using standard statistical methods. Statistical analyses, including receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis with bootstrap internal validation and Kaplan-Meier survival curves, were performed to assess the predictive value of SLC7A11.

RESULTS

The non-survivors group (n = 91) exhibited significantly higher serum SLC7A11 levels compared to the survivors group (n = 51). Pearson correlation analysis indicated a positive correlation between serum SLC7A11 and serum CYFRA 21-1 levels. ROC analysis demonstrated that SLC7A11, particularly when combined with CYFRA 21-1, had significant predictive value for poor prognosis. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that patients with lower SLC7A11 levels had significantly longer overall survival. Multivariate logistic regression identified SLC7A11 and CYFRA 21-1 as independent risk factors for poor prognosis.

CONCLUSION

Serum SLC7A11 was a promising prognostic biomarker for advanced NSCLC, with elevated levels strongly associated with poor one-year survival outcomes. The combination of SLC7A11 with traditional markers enhanced predictive accuracy, offering potential for improved risk stratification and personalized treatment strategies in advanced NSCLC patients.