Prognostic value of low microRNA-34a expression in human gastrointestinal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Mounting evidence shows that microRNA-34a (miR-34a) is involved in cancer prognosis. Therefore, we summarize the predictive role of miR-34a for survival patients with gastrointestinal cancers (GICs). Methods All eligible studies were found by searching PubMed, Web Science and EMBASE, results extracted. Then, hazard ratio (HR) corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated to evaluate prognostic GICs. The association between expression clinicopathological characteristics estimated odds ratios (ORs) CIs. Results A total 20 included this meta-analysis. For overall (OS), lower could probably predict poorer outcome GICs, a pooled HR 1.86 (95% CI: 1.52–2.28, P < 0.01). disease-free (DFS), progression-free (PFS), recurrence-free (RFS), related worse DFS/PFS/RFS 1.31–2.63, significant relation differentiation/TNM stage/lymphatic metastasis level identified. Conclusion This meta-analysis revealed significantly connected OS GIC patients. In addition, relatively lymph node than without metastasis, decreased levels are linked poor tumour differentiation late TNM stage. MiR-34a may become new factor prognosis prediction progression