Sulfite Oxidase Is a Novel Prognostic Biomarker of Advanced Gastric Cancer

Background/Aim: Sulfite oxidase (SUOX) is an enzyme present in the mitochondria, which has been demonstrated to be correlated with various malignant tumours. Materials and Methods: We evaluated SUOX expression in tissues of 98 cases of advanced gastric cancer and performed a clinicopathological assessment for metrics. Results: Among 98 cases, 55 cases were classified into the SUOX low expression group, and 43 cases into the SUOX high expression group. There were more pStage IV cases in the low expression group. The median overall survival of the low expression group was shorter than that of the high expression group (p=0.020). In univariate and multivariate analysis, SUOX low expression level (p=0.039) and pStage (p<0.001) were independent prognostic factors. Conclusion: SUOX is an independent prognostic factor. Therefore, SUOX expression could also serve as a useful marker for elucidating the mechanism of gastric cancer proliferation and progression.

Automated summary

This study evaluated SUOX expression in tissues of 98 cases of advanced gastric cancer and found that low SUOX expression was associated with more pStage IV cases and shorter overall survival. Both SUOX low expression level and pStage were identified as independent prognostic factors.