Abnormal expression of p-ATM/CHK2 in nasal extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type, is correlated with poor prognosis.

Aims: The aim of this study is to investigate the expression profiles of cell cycle related proteins in nasal extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTCL).

Methods: The expression profiles of cell cycle related proteins were assessed with a cell cycle antibody array and validated by immunohistochemistry. Correlations between the expression levels of proteins and clinical outcomes of patients with nasal ENKTCL were evaluated.

Results: The expression of full length ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) in nasal ENKTCL significantly decreased compared with that in nasal benign lymphoid proliferative disease (NBLPD), but the expression levels of p-ATM, CHK2 and RAD51 significantly increased in nasal ENKTCL compared with that in NBLPD. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the expression levels of p-ATM and CHK2 in nasal ENKTCL were inversely related to overall survival (p=0.011 and p=0.025, respectively).

Conclusion: Abnormalities in the ATM pathway may play a crucial role in the oncogenesis and chemoradiotherapy resistance of nasal ENKTCL.