The prognostic role of PSMD14 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Purpose: PSMD14 is an essential protein for proteasomal degradation. Inhibition of this protein disrupts homeostasis and inhibits cancer cell viability. Overexpression of PSMD14 was associated with advanced cancer characteristics and a worse prognosis in various carcinomas. This study aimed to analyze PSMD14 copy number variation, mRNA and protein expression in HNSCC, and its role as an independent prognostic biomarker.

Methods: PSMD14 mRNA expression and copy number variations were analyzed in "The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)" in 510 patients. Protein expression was evaluated using immunohistochemistry in a second cohort including 115 patients. PSMD14 levels were analyzed for correlation with clinicopathological data, overall and disease-free survival.

Results: PSMD14 mRNA expression and copy number variation were high in 44 and 50% of patients, respectively. Protein expression of PSMD14 was high in 56%. In both cohorts, high PSMD14 levels were associated with advanced staging. High PSMD14 mRNA expression was additionally associated with a worse prognosis in univariable analysis. However, after correction for possible confounders, PSMD14 mRNA was not an independent prognostic marker.

Conclusion: PSMD14 is commonly expressed in HNSCC patients and associated with advanced stages. High expression of PSMD14 mRNA was associated with a worse outcome. However, this may be a result of the association of PSMD14 with poor prognosticators. Based on our study, further evaluation of PSMD14 as a prognostic marker and potential therapeutic target is warranted.