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Elevated expression of transferrin receptor-1 in pancreatic cancer: clinical implications and prognostic significance

  • 0Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University & The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China.
Clinical and Experimental Medicine +

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August 28, 2025

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August 28, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

High transferrin receptor-1 (TfR1) expression indicates poor outcomes in pancreatic cancer. This finding suggests TfR1 as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for this fatal disease.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background

  • Pancreatic cancer, particularly advanced stages, has a poor prognosis, necessitating reliable prognostic indicators.
  • Transferrin receptor-1 (TfR1) is a cell surface protein involved in iron uptake, with potential roles in cancer progression.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the expression of TfR1 in pancreatic cancer tissues and cell lines.
  • To evaluate the clinical and therapeutic potential of TfR1 as a prognostic biomarker in pancreatic cancer.

Main Methods

  • Analysis of TFRC gene expression in pancreatic cancer and normal tissues using TCGA and GTEx data.
  • Assessment of TfR1 protein levels in pancreatic cancer cell lines via Western blotting and immunofluorescence.
  • Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining of TfR1 in 90 patient tissue samples.
  • Statistical analyses including ROC curves, Kaplan-Meier, Log-rank tests, and COX regression.

Main Results

  • Significantly elevated TFRC mRNA levels in pancreatic cancer tissues compared to normal tissues (AUC = 0.936).
  • Increased TfR1 protein expression observed in pancreatic cancer cell lines and patient tissues (30.1% vs 11.1% in paracancer).
  • Higher TfR1 expression correlated with poorer overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), identified as an independent prognostic factor.

Conclusions

  • Elevated TfR1 expression is significantly associated with adverse outcomes in pancreatic cancer.
  • TfR1 demonstrates potential as a valuable prognostic biomarker for pancreatic cancer.
  • TfR1 may serve as a promising therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer treatment.

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