Significance of Galectin-3 Expression in Pulmonary Non-Small Cell Carcinoma

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Non-small cell carcinoma (NSCC) has become the leading cause of cancer related death around the world. However, its prognostic factors remain poorly defined. Galectin-3 is an apoptosis related protein and its relationship with various cancers is presently the subject of research. This study was performed to investigate galectin-3 expression in NSCC and its value as a prognostic factor. METHODS: We examined the expression of galectin-3 and bcl-2 in surgically resected, lung NSCC, including 61 squamous cell carcinomas and 41 adenocarcinomas. PCNA staining was also performed. RESULTS: Each type of carcinoma showed cytoplasmic positivity in 18 (30.0%) and 25 (61.0%) cases, respectively. Squamous cell carcinoma showed increased galectin-3 expression in better differentiated tumors, whereas adenocarcinoma didn't show any relationship with the degree of differentiation. The cytoplasmic positivity of galectin-3 in both types of carcinoma was associated with poor prognosis. Bcl-2 expression didn't show any significant relationship with overall survival. Galectin-3 and bcl-2 expressions were positively correlated. However, co-expression of both proteins was not related to prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that galectin-3 expression in NSCC warrants attention as a possible prognostic factor.