Abstract: Objective To investigate the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) exist in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and
explore the relationship among the expressions of CD133, Notch1, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and their
relations with the clinicopathological parameters of the patients. Methods A total of 305 specimens of NSCLC and 80 normal
lung tissue specimens were analyzed for CD133, Notch1, and VEGF protein expressions by immunohistochemical staining.
Results In NSCLC specimens, the positivity rates of CD133, Notch1, and VEGF were 48.9%, 43.9%, and 45.6%, respectively,
significantly higher than those in normal lung tissues (10.0%, 15.0%, and 0%, respectively, P<0.01). The expression levels of
CD133, Notch1, and VEGF proteins were significantly correlated with the tumor grades, lymph node metastasis, TNM stages,
and postoperative survival time of the patients (P<0.01). A positive correlation was found among the expression levels of
CD133, Notch1, and VEGF proteins. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a significantly lower overall mean survival time of
the patients positive for CD133, Notch1, and VEGF than that of the negative patients (P<0.001). Cox regression analysis
suggested that positive expressions of CD133 and Notch1 were independent prognostic factors of NSCLC (P<0.05).
Conclusions CD133, Notch1, and VEGF may play important roles in the occurrence, progression, invasion, and metastasis of
NSCLC. CD133 and Notch1 have important values for predicting the prognosis and evaluating disease progression of the
patients.