ABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the expression and clinical significance of cell division cycle 42 (Cdc42) and WASP family verprolin-homologous protein l (WAVE1) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods:The expression of Cdc42 and WAVE1 was detected in 106 paraffin-embedded NSCLC tissues and 46 adjacent normal lung tissues (control group) using immunohistochemis-try. Results:The expression levels of Cdc42 and WAVE1 was distinctly higher in NSCLC than in the control group. The expression of Cdc42 in NSCLC significantly correlated with tumor differentiation, TNM stage, and lymph node metastasis (P<0.05). The expression of WAVE1 in NSCLC was significantly correlated with TNM stage and lymph node metastasis (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The expression of Cdc42 was significantly correlated with WAVE1 in NSCLC (r=0.469, P<0.01). The 3-year survival rates were significantly lower in the group with high Cdc42 expression (44.16%) than in the low expression group (72.41%;P<0.01). Similarly, the 3-year survival rates were significantly lower among patients with high WAVE1 expression (39.44%) than in those with low expression (77.14%;P<0.01). Lymph node metastasis and the common high Cdc42 and WAVE1 expression were independent prognostic factors for NSCLC. Conclu-sion:The Cdc42 expression is correlated with WAVE1 expression. They may act together and have an important function in NSCLC. The expression of both Cdc42 and WAVE1 in NSCLC tissue may be used as markers for assessing the clinicopathologic features and prognosis.
