Low level of the X-linked ribosomal protein S4 in human urothelial carcinomas is associated with a poor prognosis

Aim: We determined whether the Y-box binding protein-1 (YB-1) and its binding partner, the X-linked ribosomal protein S4 (RPS4X), are associated with clinical outcome in bladder cancer. Materials & methods: A population of 167 patients with muscle-invasive bladder tumor without evidence of metastasis at time of cystectomy was analyzed retrospectively. YB-1 and RPS4X expressions were evaluated immunohistochemically in tumors and analyzed for association with clinical variables and survival. Results: Kaplan–Meier and multivariate Cox regression analyses indicated that low expression of RPS4X was associated with a higher risk of death or disease recurrence. In contrast, YB-1 was not significantly associated with either recurrence-free or overall survival. Conclusion: Low RPS4X expression is associated with poor disease-specific and recurrence-free survival in bladder cancer.