Expression of PTEN in non-small-cell lung carcinoma

Objective To investigate whether the expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten( PTEN) is involved in the initiation and progression of non-smallcell lung carcinoma( NSCLC). Methods The expression of PTEN was detected in 45 paired NSCLC tumor and adjacent normal tissues by immunohistochemistry. Results The positive expression rates of PTEN in NSCLC tumor and normal tissues were 31. 1% and 66. 7% respectively,the difference was statistically significant( P = 0. 001). PTEN expressions correlated with the differentiation of the tumor( P = 0. 000). Conclusion Lack of PTEN expression may be involved in the initiation and progression of NSCLC.