LINC00673 upregulation and rs9914618 polymorphism: associations with risk and prognosis of lung squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND: The specific effect of the LINC00673 rs9914618 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate its association with LUSC susceptibility and prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recruited 305 LUSC patients and 336 healthy controls. LINC00673 expression was measured by qRT-PCR. The rs9914618 genotype was determined using TaqMan assays. Disease-free survival was estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Multivariate Cox regression yielded hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: LINC00673 expression was significantly upregulated in LUSC tissues and serum relative to the control group. The A allele at rs9914618 was positively associated with increased LINC00673 transcription. Carriers of the A allele or AA genotype had a higher risk of LUSC. Patients with GA or AA genotypes showed more severe clinicopathological features and lower five‑year survival rates. The rs9914618 polymorphism was validated as an independent prognostic factor. CONCLUSION: The LINC00673 rs9914618 polymorphism may serve as a potential prognostic factor for LUSC, showing significant associations with patient outcomes and risk stratification.