Introduction We examined the correlation between CLPTM1L (Cleft lip and palate transmembrane protein 1-like) expression and recurrence of intermediate- and high-risk stage IB-IIB (FIGO2008) cervical cancer undergoing radical hysterectomy followed by TP (paclitaxel plus cisplatin).

Methods We reviewed 91 cases of intermediate- and high-risk stage IB-IIB cervical cancer patients who underwent TP after radical hysterectomy from 2014 to 2019. Cases were divided into two groups, one group in which the patients didn’t recur within 2 years after initialization of treatment (group A; n=76), and the other group in which the patients recurred within 2 years (group B; n=15). CLPTM1L expression was examined immunohistochemically. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictor of recurrence. The effect of the siRNA-mediated knockdown of CLPTM1L on the sensitivity of cervical cancer cells to cisplatin was investigated. This study was approved by the institutional review board.

Results The expression of CLPTM1L was significantly higher in group B than in group A (p<0.001). Cases were divided into two groups; low CLPTM1L expression group (weighted score≤4, n=59), and high CLPTM1L expression group (weighted score≥6, n=32). High CLPTM1L expression group was more likely to recur after adjuvant TP than low expression group (p<0.01). And multivariant analysis revealed that CLPTM1lL expression was an independent predictor of recurrence (P=0.003). Furthermore, knockdown of CLPTM1L expression significantly increased cancer cell sensitivity to cisplatin in vitro.

Conclusion/Implications High CLPTM1L expression might be associated with recurrence of intermediate- and high-risk stage IB-IIB cervical cancer undergoing radical hysterectomy followed by TP.