Expression of EMT-Related Markers and CD133 in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Associations with Clinicopathological Features and Prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the expression of CD133 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition EMT-related factors (Snail, E-cadherin) and their prognostic and clinicopathological significance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: A total of 150 paired NSCLC and adjacent normal tissue samples were collected. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect CD133, Snail, and E-cadherin expression. Clinicopathological correlations were analyzed statistically. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis, and Spearman correlation was applied to evaluate the associations among protein expressions. RESULTS: NSCLC tissues exhibited significantly elevated Snail and CD133 expression and reduced E-cadherin expression compared with adjacent tissues (P<0.05). Snail, E-cadherin, and CD133 expression were closely correlated with tumor differentiation, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage, with E-cadherin also associated with tumor size (P<0.05). CD133 was positively correlated with Snail (r=0.377, P<0.001) and negatively correlated with E-cadherin (r=-0.448, P<0.001). High Snail and CD133 expression indicated poorer survival, while high E-cadherin expression predicted favorable prognosis (P<0.05). Combined expression of these biomarkers effectively predicted NSCLC patients survival. CONCLUSION: CD133 and EMT markers are closely linked to NSCLC progression and invasion. Combined detection of Snail, E-cadherin, and CD133 provides a reliable biomarker panel for precise prognostic evaluation of NSCLC patients.