NDRG2 combined with EGFR improved its prognostic value for lung adenocarcinoma
Abstract Background N-Myc downstream-regulated gene2 (NDRG2) plays an important role in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation has significantly improved prognosis in patients with adenocarcinoma. We aimed to elucidate the clinical value of NDRG2/EGFR as a prediction of prognosis in patients with lung adenocarcinoma.Materials and Methods Immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis were conducted to detect the expression of NDRG2 protein. Association between NDRG2/EGFR expression and clinicopathological parameters of the patients were examined. Serum Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level was examined prior to treatment in patients with LUAD. Patients’ survival rate was assessed by Kaplan–Meier. Candidates for independent prognostic biomarkers were analyzed using a COX proportional hazard model.Results NDRG2 levels were significantly decreased in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. NDRG2 levels were positively correlated with CEA and EGFR. Advanced stages were significantly associated with low expression of NDRG2. Patients with NDRG2-high combined with EGFR-positive expression had the best prognosis during the 5-year follow-up period. Meanwhile, COX regression analysis showed that the conjoined expressions of NDRG2-low/EGFR-positive, NDRG2-high/EGFR-positive and vascular invasion were independent prognostic indicators for lung adenocarcinoma.Conclusion NDRG2 is of more prognosis value as the biomarker for lung adenocarcinoma when analyzed combined with the EGFR expression.