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

Abstract

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.

Keywords: SKAP2; Src; actin assembly; lung cancer.