Expression of pre B cell leukemia transcription factor (PBX) is correlated with prognosis and survival of patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma

Abstract

22222 Background: Pre B cell leukemia transcription factor 1 (PBX1) is a transcription factor for valosin-containing protein (VCP), which is involved in invasion and metastasis of cancers. To examine the prognostic significance of PBX1 and other PBX members, PBX2 and PBX3, in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the present study was designed. Methods: Expression of PBX1, PBX2, and PBX3 was immunohistochemically examined in 206 NSCLC patients (132 men and 74 women) with ages ranging from 35 to 78 (median, 62). Staining intensity of tumor cells was categorized as equal to or stronger expression than endothelial cells in less than 20% (score 1) or more than 20% (score 2). Results: PBX2 but not PBX1 and PBX3 nuclear expression correlated with high expression of VCP. Univariate analysis revealed score 1 PBX1 cytoplasmic expression, score 2 PBX2 nuclear expression, score 2 PBX2 cytoplasmic expression to be poor prognosticators for overall and disease-free survival. Multivariate analysis revealed that PBX1 cytoplasmic expression, visceral pleural invasion, and tumor size as independent prognostic factors for disease-free survival, and PBX1 cytoplasmic expression, PBX2 cytoplasmic expression, VCP expression, age, and visceral pleural invasion for overall survival. Conclusions: The present study showed that increased expression of PBX2 and decreased expression of PBX1 were poor prognosticators for NSCLC. Close correlation between PBX2 nuclear expression and VCP expression suggested the role of PBX2 as a transcription factor controlling VCP expression. No significant financial relationships to disclose.