MUC5AC enhances tumor heterogeneity in lung adenocarcinoma with mucin production and is associated with poor prognosis

Abstract Objective The clinicopathological significance of Mucin5AC (MUC5AC) in lung adenocarcinoma with mucin production is still unclear. This study aimed to explore MUC5AC expression in lung adenocarcinoma with mucin production and its correlation with histological subtypes, common driver mutations and its impact on prognosis. Methods MUC5AC and thyroid transcription factor 1 immunohistochemistry was performed on surgical samples from 90 patients with lung adenocarcinoma with mucin production. Common driver mutations including EGFR and KRAS mutations and ALK rearrangement were detected by established methods. Results MUC5AC was significantly associated with lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.023) and tumors with intra-cytoplasmic mucin (P