Relationship between nm23H_1 expression and lymph node metastasis in squamous cell carcinoma of the lung

Objective To evaluate the relationship between nm23H1 expression and lymph node metastasis in squamous cell carcinoma of the lung.Methods Specimens of cancer tissue and paracancerous tissue were collected from 50 cases of squamous cell lung carcinoma.The expression of nm23H1 was assessed by immunohistochemistry technique.Results Positive expression of nm23H1 was detected in 29 out of 50 cancer samples.The nm23H1 expression was higher in cases of stage I,TMN N0 and with single lymph node metastasis than that in cases of stage Ⅲ,TMN N1+N2 and with multiple lymph node metastasis,respectively(P0.05).However,the expression of nm23H1 was not correlated with location,size,differentiation and macroscopic type of tumor;not correlated with age and smoking status of patients.Conclusion Expression of nm23H1 is closely related to lymph node metastasis,which indicates its role in the inhibition of lymph node metastasis.