The differential expression of AFF3 in cervical cancer and its correlation with clinicopathological features and prognosis

Abstract

Background Cervical cancer (CC) is the second most common malignancy in women, and identifying biomarkers of CC is crucial for prognosis prediction. Here, we investigated the expression of AF4/FMR2 Family Member 3 (AFF3) in CC and its association with clinicopathological features and prognosis. Methods Tumour and adjacent tissues, along with clinicopathological features and follow-up information, were collected from 78 patients. AFF3 expression was assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. The correlation between AFF3 expression and CC symptoms was using chi-square test. The 5-year overall survival (OS) was analysed using the Kaplan-Meier method. The Univariate analysis of prognostic risk factors was conducted using the COX proportional hazards model, followed by multivariate COX regression analysis including variables with p < 0.01. Results AFF3 expression was downregulated in CC, and its levels were correlated with lymph node metastasis (LNM) and International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage. Patients with low AFF3 expression had a lower 5-year OS rate (52.78%, 19/36). Postoperative survival was reduced in patients with histological grade 3 (G3), myometrial invasion (depth ≥ 1/2), lymphovascular space invasion, LNM, and advanced FIGO stage. Low expression of AFF3 (HR: 2.848, 95% CI: 1.144–7.090) and histological grade G3 (HR: 4.393, 95% CI: 1.663–11.607) were identified as independent prognostic risk factors in CC patients. Conclusion Low expression of AFF3 and histological G3 are independent predictors of poor prognosis in CC patients, suggesting that AFF3 could serve as a potential biomarker for prognostic assessment in CC.