MicroRNAs with prognostic significance in osteosarcoma: a systemic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION This study aimed to elucidate the prognostic value of microRNAs (miRNAs) in patients with osteosarcoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS Studies were recruited by searching PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang data-bases (final search update conducted January 2017). Eligible studies were identified and the quality was assessed using multiple search strategies. RESULTS A total of 55 articles that investigated the correlation between miRNA expression and either patient survival or disease recurrence in osteosarcoma was initially identified. Among these, 30 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The results of our meta-analysis revealed that elevated levels of miR-21, miR-214, miR-29, miR-9 and miR-148a were associated with poor prognosis in osteosarcoma. Additionally, downregulated miR-382, miR26a, miR-126, miR-195 and miR-124 expression indicated poor prognosis in osteosarcoma. CONCLUSIONS miRNAs may act as independent prognostic factors in patients with osteosarcoma and are useful in stratifying risk.