Influence of Thyroid Transcription Factor 1 expression in prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Introduction: Thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF1) regulates the expression of multiple genes involved in lung development. It is mainly expressed in adenocarcinomas and has been investigated as a potential prognostic factor in patients with lung cancer. Aim: To assess the influence on prognosis of TTF1 expression, in a population of patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Methods: Retrospective study based on clinical record consultation of patients with lung adenocarcinoma and immunohistochemical study. Two groups were created based on TTF1 expression: Group 1(G1)-TTF1 positive; Group 2(G2)-TTF1 negative. Results: Included 51 patients with lung adenocarcinoma: 34 (66.7%) in G1 vs 17 (33.3%) in G2. There were no statistically significant differences in mean age at diagnosis (years): 67.7 in G1 vs 69.9 in G2 (p>0.05). Cough and systemic symptoms were the main presentation symptoms in both groups (p>0,05). History of smoking (smokers/ex-smokers) was observed in 20 (58.8%) patients in G1 vs 10 (58.8%) in G2 (p> 0.05). Stage IV was the most frequent at diagnosis in both groups: 14 (41.2%) in G1 vs 11 (64.7%) in G2 (p>0.05). Regarding lymph node staging, the majority of patients (19–55.9%) were N0 in G1 and N2 (9-52,9%) in G2 (p 18 (52.0%) patients in G1 vs 3 (17.6%) in G2 were in surgical stage and underwent surgery (p Overall mortality was 35.3% in G1 vs 76.5% in G2 (p Median survival (months) was 20.5 in G1 vs 9.0 in G2 (p Conclusion: In our sample the expression of TTF1 appears to work as a good prognostic factor in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. The increase in survival seems to be related with diagnosis in earlier stages, which allowed the surgical approach of the tumor.