Objective: To analyze the expression of speedy/RINGO cell cycle regulator family member A (Spy1) in pancreatic carcinoma and its clinical significance. 
Methods: The Spy1 protein expressions in 85 surgical specimens of pancreatic cancer tissue were determined by immunohistochemical staining. The relations of Spy1 protein expression with the clinicopathologic factors and postoperative survival of the pancreatic cancer patients were analyzed, and the factors affecting the survival rates of the patients were also analyzed by statistical methods.
Results: Of the 85 specimens of pancreatic tissue, high Spy1 expression was found in 55 cases (64.7%), and low Spy1 expression was seen in 30 cases (35.3%). The expression of Spy1 protein was significantly associated with the tumor size, TNM stage and degree of differentiation (all P<0.05). The 1- and 3-year tumor-free survival rate and overall survival rate in patients with high Spy1 expression were significantly lower than those in patients with low Spy1 expression (all P<0.05). The high Spy1 expression (P=0.023) and lymph node metastasis (P=0.005) were independent risk factors for tumor-free survival rate in pancreatic cancer patients, and the high Spy1 expression (P=0.035) and TNM stage (P=0.037) were independent risk factors for overall survival rate in pancreatic cancer patients.
Conclusion: High expression of Spy1 protein is associated with malignant clinicopathologic features and poor prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients. It can be used as a prognostic indicator for pancreatic cancer patients.