Overexpression of IFITM3 predicts poor prognosis in stage IIA esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after Ivor Lewis esophagectomy

BACKGROUND: Recent research has shown that IFITM3 plays an important role in the tumorigenesis of many malignancies. We investigated the clinicopathological variables and prognostic value of IFITM3 in stage IIA esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis were used to examine IFITM3 expression in tumor specimens. The relationships between IFITM3 expression and clinicopathological variables, as well as the five‐year survival and recurrence status of patients, were analyzed. RESULTS: IFITM 3 was aberrantly expressed in tumor tissue. Statistical analysis showed a close correlation of IFITM3 expression with T tumor status (P = 0.004). Additionally, IFITM3 overexpression, advanced T status, poor degree of differentiation, and large tumor size were not only associated with poor survival but were high lymphatic metastatic recurrence predictors in ESCC patients (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our data indicated that IFITM3 overexpression may predict poor prognosis in stage IIA ESCC patients after Ivor Lewis esophagectomy.