TTF1 expression in non-small cell lung carcinoma: association with TTF1 gene amplification and improved survival.

TitleTTF1 expression in non-small cell lung carcinoma: association with TTF1 gene amplification and improved survival.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2009
AuthorsPerner S, Wagner PL, Soltermann A, LaFargue C, Tischler V, Weir BA, Weder W, Meyerson M, Giordano TJ, Moch H, Rubin MA
JournalJ Pathol
Volume217
Issue1
Pagination65-72
Date Published2009 Jan
ISSN1096-9896
KeywordsAdenocarcinoma, Aged, Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung, Carcinoma, Squamous Cell, DNA-Binding Proteins, Female, Gene Amplification, Humans, In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence, Lung Neoplasms, Male, Middle Aged, Neoplasm Staging, Prognosis, Retrospective Studies, Survival Analysis, Thyroid Neoplasms, Tumor Markers, Biological
Abstract

Acquired chromosomal aberrations play an important role in tumour development and progression. Such genetic alterations occur in a significant proportion of non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLCs) and include amplification of 14q13.3, which contains the TTF1 gene. We asked whether TTF1 amplification is associated with increased TTF1 protein expression in NSCLCs, and whether TTF1 is associated with clinicopathological features, including patient survival. We used a FISH assay and quantitative immunohistochemical staining to interrogate a population-based cohort of 538 NSCLCs from Swiss patients for TTF1 amplification and protein expression. We found TTF1 amplification in approximately 13% of adenocarcinomas (ACs) and in approximately 9% of squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and TTF1 amplification was associated with increased TTF1 protein expression. High-level TTF1 expression was significantly associated with smaller tumour size, female gender and longer overall survival only among ACs (median survival 82 versus 28 months; p = 0.002). On multivariate analysis, high TTF1 expression was an independent predictor of favourable prognosis in patients with AC [hazard ratio, 0.56 (95% CI 0.38-0.83); p = 0.008]. We conclude that TTF1 amplification is a mechanism of high-level TTF1 expression in a subset of NSCLCs. When expressed at high levels, this routinely used diagnostic marker is also an independent biomarker of favourable prognosis in AC.

DOI10.1002/path.2443
Alternate JournalJ. Pathol.
PubMed ID18932182