A comprehensive analysis of the expression and prognostic significance of signal transducers and activators of transcription family in gastric cancer patients

BackgroundUnderstanding the role of the STAT family in gastric cancer (GC) is essential for developing targeted therapies and improving patient outcomes. However, comprehensive analysis of STAT expression and its prognostic significance in GC is limited. This study aims to address this gap by examining STAT expression in normal and GC tissues and evaluating its prognostic value across clinical subgroups.MethodsSTAT mRNA expression levels were compared between tumor and normal tissues using fold change analysis. Kaplan-Meier curves assessed the correlation between STAT expression and clinical outcomes, with statistical significance determined by the Log-rank test and hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals. Subset analyses evaluated STAT expression across GC subtypes and its prognostic value, including in patients with oncogenic mutations.ResultsMost STAT family members, except STAT4, showed increased expression in GC tissues compared to normal tissues, consistent across various clinical subgroups, suggesting a role in GC pathogenesis. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed the prognostic significance of STATs in GC. High STAT1 expression was associated with improved overall survival (OS), first progression (FP), and post-progression survival (PPS), indicating a favorable prognosis. In contrast, elevated STAT5A, STAT5B, and STAT6 expression correlated with poor prognosis. Subgroup analysis highlighted the consistent prognostic value of STATs across different histological subtypes, particularly in intestinal-type GC. Additionally, STAT expression had differential prognostic implications based on HER2 status. HER2-positive GC patients with high STAT expression had worse OS and FP rates, while HER2-negative patients with high STAT1 expression had better survival outcomes.ConclusionsThis study provides valuable insights into STAT expression patterns and their prognostic significance in GC. The upregulation of STATs, except STAT4, suggests their involvement in GC oncogenesis. Notably, high STAT1 expression is a favorable prognostic marker, while increased STAT5A, STAT5B, and STAT6 expression correlates with poor prognosis. These findings underscore the potential of STATs as prognostic markers in GC, guiding personalized treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes.