The Clinical Significance of Cancer Stem Cell Markers ALDH1A1 and CD133 in Lung Adenocarcinoma

Background/Aim: Aldehyde dehydrogenase-1A1 (ALDH1A1) and CD133 have been identified as markers of cancer stem cells (CSCs). We investigated the expression of these markers and their clinical significance in lung adenocarcinoma. Materials and Methods: An immunohistochemical analysis of ALDH1A1 and CD133 expression of 92 lung adenocarcinomas was performed. The association between the expression of both markers and cancer-related death and recurrence was determined. Results: Cancer-related death and tumor recurrence were observed in 15 and 17 cases, respectively. The expression of CD133, but not ALDHA1A, was significantly associated with poorer overall survival (p<0.0001) and shorter disease-free interval (DFI) (p<0.0001). Multivariate analysis revealed that double negativity was independently associated with increased survival (hazard ratio(HR)=16.1, p=0.0004) and a longer DFI (HR=9.5, p=0.0007). Conclusion: We propose that as a functional marker, ALDH1A1 positivity may influence the viability of CSCs. The findings suggest that it is important to evaluate the expression of both markers.

http://ift.tt/2qAPF2R