Expression Level of Valosin Containing Protein is Associated with Prognosis of Primary Orbital MALT Lymphoma

Objective: To investigate whether the expression level of valosin-containing protein (VCP) is correlated withthe prognosis of primary orbital mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. Methods: VCP expressionin 58 samples from primary orbital MALT lymphoma patients was determined by immunohistochemisty usingmonoclonal antibodies. Correlations between VCP expression level and prognosis were clarified by statisticalanalysis. Results: It was found that the percentage of VCP positive cells in samples of primary orbital MALTlymphoma ranged from 32% to 95%. The samples were divided into two groups (level 1 and level 2) accordingto the median value (45%) of the percentage of VCP positive cells. It was found that the expression level of VCPwas significantly correlated with recurrence (P=0.003) and tumor size (P=0.008). At the same time, the 5-yeardisease-free and overall survival rate of patients of level 1 was significantly better than that of level 2 (P=0.001;P=0.032). There was no observed correlation between the expression level of VCP and other clinical features.Conclusion: VCP could be a useful marker for predicting the prognosis of primary orbital MALT lymphoma.