CBFA2T3 as a Key Prognostic Biomarker in Lung Adenocarcinoma: Insights from Comprehensive Analysis and Validation

Lung cancer is a common and highly lethal malignancy globally, predominantly comprising non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), accounting for 80-85% of lung cancer cases. Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) represents the predominant subtype of NSCLC and is characterized by challenging early diagnosis and poor prognosis. Studies have implicated CBFA2T3 expression in treatment outcomes and prognosis across various cancers, yet its specific mechanisms remain under investigation. Analysis of TCGA data revealed a negative correlation between CBFA2T3 expression and tumor growth, suggesting that lower CBFA2T3 levels are associated with poorer outcomes in patients with LUAD. Our research identifies CBFA2T3 as a therapeutic target and potential prognostic indicator in LUAD, closely linked to immune cell infiltration and key immune regulatory markers. A model integrating CBFA2T3-regulated immune-related genes was constructed to predict the prognosis and immunotherapy response of patients with LUAD. Our findings were validated using GSE31210 and IMvigor210 datasets. qPCR and WB experiments on clinically collected samples confirmed reduced CBFA2T3 expression in LUAD. Online analysis using the Kaplan‒Meier plotter website confirmed a correlation between reduced CBFA2T3 expression and poorer prognosis in patients with lung cancer. Ultimately, our study identifies CBFA2T3 as a pivotal prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for managing LUAD.