SQSTM1/p62 as a prognostic indicator in pancancer and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated SQSTM1/p62 expression patterns and its prognostic value across multiple cancers, with a focus on nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). RESULTS DESCRIPTION: SQSTM1/p62 showed significantly higher mRNA and protein levels in tumors versus normal tissues across cancer types. High SQSTM1/p62 expression correlated with poorer OS and DSS in multiple cancers. Among 86 NPC patients (median follow-up 46.8 months), high SQSTM1/p62 expression (69.8% vs CNP 45% in controls, P = 0.036) independently predicted reduced DSS (HR = 4.51, 95% CI: 1.40-14.52). The unadjusted and multivariable-adjusted models consistently revealed a stable relationship between SQSTM1/p62 expression and patient prognosis. No significant interaction was observed between SQSTM1/p62 expression and age, TNM stage, or treatment methods (induction chemotherapy, concurrent chemoradiotherapy, adjuvant chemotherapy). In summary, elevated SQSTM1/p62 expression correlates with poor clinical outcomes in pancancer analyses and serves as an independent prognostic factor for NPC.