SQSTM1/p62 is a prognostic molecular marker and potential therapeutic target for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours.

Background: There have been few studies on the role of autophagy in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (PNETs). SQSTM1/p62 (also called Sequestosome 1) is a potential autophagy regulator, and its biological roles and clinical significance in PNETs remain poorly understood.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of SQSTM1/p62 in human PNET specimens and to evaluate its potential value as a therapeutic target by studying its biological function in PNET cell lines.