Background
Cervical small cell carcinoma (SCCC) is uncommon and little is known about its molecular markers. Karyopherin α2 (KPNA2) has been demonstrated in a variety of malignancies. Our
Conclusions
KPNA2 may be a molecular marker and indicator of prognosis in SCCC.
Methods
We detected KPNA2 expression by immunohistochemistry in SCCC tumors from 62 patients. The staining
Results
KPNA2 expression was detected in tumor tissue from 55 patients with SCCC (55/62, 89%). High KPNA2 expression correlated significantly with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics staging (P=0.035), tumor size (P=0.019), poorer overall survival (OS) (P=0.008), and poorer disease-free survival (P=0.004) compared to low KPNA2 expression. Multivariate analysis showed that KPNA2 expression level (P=0.037) and tumor size (P=0.046) were independent prognostic factors of OS. Conclusions: KPNA2 may be a molecular marker and indicator of prognosis in SCCC.