p16(ink4) expression and spirometry tests have similar survival outcomes values in non-small-cell lung cancer patients

New prognostic factor of lung cancer are being intensively studied currently. A small number of studies compare the importance of molecular makers with so far known functional and clinical prognostic factors. Purpose of this study was to find out whetherp16(ink4) expression is more superior prognostic factor in survival rates in non-small lung cancer (NSCLC) patients than spirometry tests. 100 NSCLC patients (50 squamous and 50 adenocarcinoma) with IIIB and IVA stage and 80 healthy individuals were included. p16(ink4) was immunohistochemicaly detected on formalin-fixed tissues. We measured s pirometry tests : vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1), Tiffeneau index (FEV1/FVC ratio) and forced expiratory flow 25% to 75%. 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were observed. Low p16(ink4) expression and impared spirometry parameters correlated with worse 2-year survival outcomes, in both adenocarcinoma and squamous carcinoma. In squamous carcinoma p16(ink4) expression was an independent negative prognostic marker. Severe impairments of spirometry tests had similar prognostic value as low p16(ink4) expression in both NSCLC subtypes. In contrast to p16 (ink4) as a negative molecular prognostic factor, spirometry testings are widely achievable and affordable and could be serviceable prognostic marker in NSCLC patients in advanced NSCLC. Further studies including all clinical stages of NSCLC are needed.