FSP1 expression as a predictor of platinum resistance and recurrence in epithelial ovarian cancer

The objective of this study is to assess the differential expression of ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1) in relation to clinical features, platinum resistance, and recurrence in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). In addition, the potential significance of FSP1 in EOC as a predictor of platinum resistance and recurrence in EOC was explored. Patients with pathologically confirmed EOC who underwent surgical treatment were included in this analysis. Immunohistochemistry was employed to evaluate FSP1 expression in ovarian tissues, with quantitative analysis performed on the samples. Clinical data were collected during follow-up, and patients were categorized according to platinum resistance and recurrence criteria. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 27.0. A total of 40 tissue samples from patients with EOC were analyzed, along with 21 samples from benign ovarian tumors and 20 samples from normal ovarian tissues. The expression of FSP1 was significantly higher in the EOC group compared to both benign and normal tissue groups. Meanwhile, the expressions of FSP1 were higher in groups with clinically advanced stages, high-grade carcinoma, presence of cancerous ascites, lymph node metastasis, and in the clear cell EOC group, compared to those with clinically early stages, low-grade carcinoma, absence of cancerous ascites, no lymph node metastasis, and other pathological subtypes. A positive linear correlation was identified between FSP1 expression in EOC tissues and serum levels of CA125 and human epididymis protein 4 at the time of diagnosis. The elevated expression of FSP1 is positively correlated with serum CA125 and human epididymis protein 4 levels at the time of diagnosis, which is a risk factor for EOC drug resistance and recurrence. These findings suggest that FSP1 may serve as a valuable biomarker for predicting platinum resistance and recurrence in patients with EOC.