Expression of Nemo-like kinase in cervical squamous cell carcinoma: a clinicopathological study

OBJECTIVE: Nemo-like kinase (NLK) has been reported to play different roles in tumors. However, the role of NLK in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) remains unknown. In this study, we explored the clinical significance including survival of NLK protein expression in CSCCs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Immunohistochemical method was performed using tissues from 130 patients with CSCC. The associations between NLK expression and the clinicopathological factors and prognosis of CSCCs were evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed using the chi-square test, the multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, and the Kaplan–Meier method. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical staining analysis showed that NLK was localized predominately in the nucleus of the tumor cells, and increased NLK expression was detected in 71 (54.6%) of 130 patients. NLK overexpression significantly correlated with higher histological grade (P=0.001), vascular/lymphatic invasion (P=0.010), lymph node metastasis (P=0.012), and recurrence (P=0.022). Patients with elevated NLK expression had poorer overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) (P=0.006 and P=0.004, respectively) compared with patients with decreased NLK expression. Multivariate Cox analysis demonstrated that NLK overexpression was an independent factor for OS and DFS (P=0.034 and P=0.025, respectively). CONCLUSION: NLK may be a valuable biomarker for predicting the prognosis of CSCC patients and may serve as a potential target for cancer therapy.