High expression of AGR2 in lung cancer is predictive of poor survival. Issue 1 (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alavi, Mohammed; Mah, Vei; Maresh, Erin; Bagryanova, Lora; Horvath, Steve; Chia, David; Goodglick, Lee; Liu, Alvin
• Is Part Of: BMC cancer. Volume 15:Issue 1(2015)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 9
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Lung cancer -- AGR2 -- Survival; Cancer -- Periodicals; 616.994005
• DOI: 10.1186/s12885-015-1658-2
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-2407

Abstract

Abstract Background Anterior gradient 2 (AGR2) is a protein disulfide isomerase-like protein widely expressed in many normal tissues as well as cancers. In our study, non-neoplastic bronchial epithelial cells as well as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells express AGR2 protein. Methods AGR2 expression was analyzed on lung tissue microarrays. Tumor staining was correlated with clinical outcomes. Results On a lung cancer tissue microarray using immunohistochemistry, expression levels in cancer showed generally decreasing intensities in order from adenocarcinomas with mucinous components, other adenocarcinomas, squamous carcinomas, to large cell carcinomas. The study cohort was comprised of 400 cases. As a group, there was a slight trend of lower expression with increasing tumor grade. AGR2 expression level was a significant predictor of overall survival in younger patients only. Patients under 65 with lower levels showed a significantly better survival for both men and women. Patients over 65, in contrast, showed no such trend. Conclusions Nearly all NSCLC tumors show AGR2 expression. Lung cancer expression of AGR2 has prognostic value for younger patients.