Klotho expression and nodal involvement as predictive factors for large cell lung carcinoma

Introduction Klotho has been recently described as a carcinogenesis suppressor. Large cell neuroendocrine lung carcinoma (LCNEC) is a rare, highly malignant neoplasm. In the light of increasing incidence of neuroendocrine tumours, biomarkers predicting survival are needed. We consider that Klotho might be one. Material and methods We analysed records of all patients diagnosed with LCNEC, atypical carcinoid and typical carcinoid operated on in our institution between 2007 and 2015. Initially, we found 134 cases. Forty-six specimens were unattainable and thus excluded from research. All patients diagnosed with LCNEC according to the WHO classification were included in the study. Immunohistochemical staining for Klotho was performed. We retrospectively reviewed patient charts and analysed multiple variables. Results Positive staining for Klotho was present in 36 tissue specimens, while 12 patients were Klotho-negative. Survival length was significantly higher in Klotho-positive cases (p = 0.024), while advanced nodal status (N1 and N2) represented a marker of poor outcome (p = 0.011). In multivariate analysis, both Klotho presence (p = 0.015; HR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.17–0.86) and nodal involvement (p = 0.007; HR = 3.04; 95% CI: 1.37–6.82) were independent prognostic factors. Tumour vessel invasion and visceral pleura infiltration were not associated with worse treatment results. Klotho presence predicted a favourable prognosis in these groups (p = 0.018; p = 0.007). Conclusions Our results suggest that Klotho might be a positive factor for predicting survival in LCNEC and nodal involvement a negative one. Thus, these two markers may assist in the selection of subjects with unfavourable prognosis and to personalise therapy regimens.