Screening of molecular biomarkers ASPN and LBH and construction of a prediction nomogram for the progression of esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma (EGJA) is an aggressive malignancy of the digestive system with poor prognosis. Early diagnosis and accurate prediction of tumor progression remain major clinical challenges. This study aimed to identify and validate molecular biomarkers and construct a precise diagnostic model, providing a scientific basis for individualized treatment. METHODS: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with EGJA were identified using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was then performed for further screening. The protein expression levels of ASPN and LBH were validated by immunohistochemistry in both tumor and adjacent non-tumor tissues. A nomogram was constructed by integrating clinical and pathological features, and its performance and clinical utility were assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and decision curve analysis (DCA). RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that the protein expression of ASPN was significantly upregulated in tumor tissues, with expression levels increasing with tumor stage. Conversely, LBH was downregulated in tumor tissues and decreased with advancing stages. The predictive model achieved an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.977, indicating excellent diagnostic and prognostic performance. DCA confirmed the clinical net benefit of the model. CONCLUSIONS: ASPN and LBH are critical molecular biomarkers for EGJA. The nomogram combining these two markers enables accurate distinction between early and advanced-stage tumors, offering significant support for early diagnosis of EGJA.