Positive nuclear expression of KLF8 might be correlated with shorter survival in gastric adenocarcinoma

Kruppel-like factor 8 (KLF8) is important in cell proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, cell migration, and invasion. Gastric adenocarcinoma is among the leading causes of cancer-related death in the world. In this study, the clinicopathologic correlation of KLF8 expression with gastric adenocarcinoma in Taiwan was investigated. The nuclear localization of KLF8 was correlated with advanced stage (P =.008) and 3-year survival rate (P =.043). The nuclear expression of KLF8 was significantly higher in the diffused type of gastric adenocarcinoma compared with the intestinal type (P =.036). Kaplan-Meier analysis results showed that patients with positive nuclear KLF8 had significantly lower overall survival rate compared with those with negative nuclear KLF8 (P =.011). Univariate analysis results indicated that positive nuclear KLF8 expression, advanced stage, and lymph node metastasis are correlated with lower overall survival. Positive nuclear KLF8 might be correlated with lower survival in gastric adenocarcinoma patients and might be an oncogene property in gastric adenocarcinoma carcinogenesis.