Clinical and Prognostic Value of MicroRNA-198-5p and XIAP in Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study

Background: Sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma is a rare malignancy with a poor prognosis. This study explores the expression of microRNA-198 and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), two molecules implicated in cancer progression, and analyzes their association with clinical features and survival outcomes in patients with sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma. Materials and Methods: The outcomes of 31 sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma patients at Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta, between 2017 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves, and differences between survival curves were assessed using the log-rank test. miR-198 and XIAP were both upregulated in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma, with a positive correlation between their levels. However, their expressions showed no significant association with clinical features or survival outcomes, indicating limited prognostic value in this patient population. Conclusions: Despite the upregulation of miR-198 and XIAP in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma, their expression levels did not significantly impact patient survival or correlate with clinical features. These findings suggest that additional molecular factors are involved in the progression of sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma. © 2025, International Medical Research and Development Corporation. All rights reserved.