Prognostic role of phospho-PRAS40 (Thr246) expression in gastric cancer

INTRODUCTIONS: Phospho-PRAS40(Thr246) (phosphorylated proline-rich Akt substrate of 40 kilodaltons at Thr246) is a biomarker for phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway activation and AKT inhibitors sensitivity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, we immunohistochemically investigated the expression of phospho-PRAS40(Thr246) in 141 gastric cancer tumors, and evaluated its clinicopathological and prognostic significance. RESULTS: Sixty-four cases (45.4%) were defined as phospho-PRAS40(Thr246) positive. Phospho-PRAS40(Thr246) correlated positively with lymph node metastasis, lymphatic infiltration, vascular infiltration and shorter survival. Furthermore, phospho-PRAS40(Thr246) is an independent prognostic factor for gastric cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that phospho-PRAS40(Thr246) was frequently expressed in gastric cancers, and correlated with malignant progression and poor prognosis of patients. PI3K pathway-targeted therapies should be considered in the future treatment of gastric cancers.