Expression of LEF1 is an independent prognostic factor for patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma

Background/PurposeLymphoid-enhancing factor 1 (LEF1) is a transcription factor mediating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. In this study, we analyzed the clinicopathologic significance of LEF1 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).MethodsExpression levels of LEF1 in 135 cases of OSCC were determined by immunohistochemistry. The results were correlated with clinicopathologic parameters and patient outcome.ResultsLEF1 was only occasionally detected in basal and parabasal cells of nontumorous squamous epithelium. Overexpression of LEF1 was observed in 33 of 135 OSCCs (24%). LEF1 was more frequently expressed in moderately to poorly differentiated cancer (p = 0.0035) and was associated with lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.0252). Overexpression of LEF1 was significantly associated with poor prognosis (p = 0.0176, hazard ratio = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.02–3.75). Multivariate analysis revealed LEF1expression and margin status to be the significant independent predictors for overall survival.ConclusionOur study suggests LEF1 expression in OSCC may play an important role in tumor progression and can be served as a predictor of poor prognosis for patients with OSCC.