Reduced Expression of FADS1 Predicts Worse Prognosis in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Objective: Fatty acid desaturase 1 is a member of the fatty acid desaturase, which is related to a number of diseases. However, its role in cancers remains unclear. This study was to explore the clinical importance of FADS1 expression in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Materials and Methods: Immunochemistry was used to evaluate FADS1 expressions in 216 paraffin-embedded specimens. The expression of FADS1 was divided into high and low groups. The clinical and prognostic significance of FADS1 expression was analyzed statistically by Kaplan-Meier estimate and Cox regression model. Results: FADS1 overexpressed in normal bronchial mucosa compared with non-small-cell lung cancer. Reduced FADS1 expression was associated with tumor size (P=0.023) and histological grade (P<0.0001). Patients with lower expression of FADS1 had shorter overall survival and disease free survival (P=0.001 and P=0.002). Multivariate analysis showed FADS1 expression was an independent prognostic factor in NSCLC (P=0.011). Conclusion: Reduced expression of FADS1 suggests pessimistic prognosis for NSCLC patients. Further studies are warranted.