Elevated NUF2 and CD52 expression predict platinum-based chemoresistance and poor prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the clinical significance of the cytokinesis-associated gene NUF2 and the immune-related gene CD52 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with a focus on their association with platinum-based chemoresistance and patient prognosis. METHODS: Cancer and matched adjacent non-tumorous tissues were obtained from 72 NSCLC patients who underwent surgical resection. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed to assess the expression of NUF2 and CD52. Patients were stratified based on combined staining intensity and extent scores. All patients received gemcitabine plus cisplatin chemotherapy. Associations between gene expression and chemotherapy response, clinicopathological features, and overall survival were evaluated. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression modeling were used to identify independent prognostic factors. RESULTS: NUF2 and CD52 showed significantly higher expression in NSCLC tissues compared to adjacent controls (66.67% and 62.50% positivity, respectively; P < 0.05). Positive expression of both genes was significantly associated with advanced TNM stage, poor differentiation, lymph node metastasis, pleural invasion, and vascular thrombus formation (P < 0.05). Post-chemotherapy non-remission rates were significantly elevated in NUF2- and CD52-positive patients (P < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed markedly reduced median survival in patients with positive NUF2 and CD52 expression (P < 0.05). Multivariate Cox analysis identified platinum resistance, lymph node metastasis, pleural invasion, and positive expression of NUF2 and CD52 as independent predictors of poor prognosis. CONCLUSION: High expression of NUF2 and CD52 is closely linked to platinum resistance and aggressive tumor behavior in NSCLC, and serves as an independent predictor of adverse outcomes. These markers may hold potential as prognostic indicators and therapeutic targets in chemoresistant NSCLC. These findings, while promising, are based on a single-center retrospective cohort and should be validated in larger, independent studies to confirm their clinical utility.