BackgroundThoracotomy is a common treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the significant trauma from this procedure can limit patients' postoperative prognosis. Therefore, it's crucial to find an easily detected indicator that can predict the prognosis of NSCLC patients undergoing thoracotomy. FAM83A-AS1 was hypothesized as a predictor for the therapeutic effectiveness of thoracotomy. We evaluated its correlation with patient outcomes and its significance in predicting postoperative prognosis, with the aim of providing a reference to improve postoperative prognosis of thoracotomy.Materials and methodsThe study enrolled patients with NSCLC who underwent thoracotomy, and tissue samples were collected during surgery. Blood samples were collected preoperatively and three days postoperatively. PCR was used to analyze plasma FAM83A-AS1 levels. The significance of these levels in the patients' postoperative prognosis was evaluated via logistic regression and ROC analyses, with a follow-up period of six months.ResultsFAM83A-AS1 was significantly upregulated in NSCLC and correlated with severe progression in patients. Thoracotomy suppressed FAM83A-AS1 expression and reduced CA50, CEA, and CYFRA21-1 levels. Postoperative plasma levels of FAM83A-AS1 positively correlated with CA50, CEA, and CYFRA21-1. Patients with worse prognoses had higher plasma FAM83A-AS1 levels. FAM83A-AS1 was identified as a risk factor for poor postoperative outcomes in NSCLC patients undergoing thoracotomy and could be used to identify patients at risk of worse prognosis.ConclusionAn increase in FAM83A-AS1 in NSCL indicates severe disease development and can serve as a biomarker associated with thoracotomy, predicting a poor prognosis. It provides a potential indicator for patient outcomes.