The Role of E-Cadherin as a Prognostic Biomarker in Head and Neck Squamous Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE

In this study, we systematically investigated and analyzed articles focusing on the prognostic value of E-cadherin (E-cad) in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

METHODS

Searching through the different databases, the studies examining the associations between E-cad and HNSCC prognosis were identified. Outcomes such as disease-specific survival and overall survival were considered acceptable. Hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to demonstrate prognostic value.

RESULTS

A total of 40 studies were systematically analyzed, and finally, 1939 subjects were included in our meta-analysis. Our findings showed that significant aberrant expression of E-cad was associated with poor survival. However, some studies showed increased expression of E-cad in metastatic lesions was associated with poor prognosis. Alteration in location of E-cad expression also showed significant association with cancer survival, i.e., increased cytoplasmic E-cad. We conducted a meta-analysis on the eligible articles using a random effect model because of moderate heterogeneity. Strong association between aberrant expression of E-cad and poor survival was demonstrated (pooled HR = 2.28; 95% CI 1.78-2.91).

CONCLUSIONS

Aberrant expression of E-cad may be a promising prognostic signature for HNSCC, especially when it is used with other prognostic markers.