Prognostic and Clinicopathological Value of Ki-67 in Melanoma: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND

The prognostic and clinicopathological value of Ki-67 in melanoma is controversial. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine the prognostic role of Ki-67 in melanoma patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched systematically up to April 9, 2021. We calculated the pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to determine the relationship between Ki-67 overexpression and survival outcomes. We also calculated the combined odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs to determine the relationship between Ki-67 expression levels and clinicopathologic parameters. All data were statistically analyzed by Stata 11.0.

RESULTS

A total of 10 studies involving 929 patients were included in our meta-analysis. The pooled HR showed that Ki-67 overexpression was connected with poor overall survival rates (HR=2.92, 95% CI=2.17-3.91, p<0.000). However, there was no correlation between Ki-67 overexpression and the PFS (HR=0.999, 95% CI =0.958-1.041, P =0.958; I2 = 21.80%, P =0.258) or RFS (HR=1.14, 95% CI = 0.42-3.11, P =0.993; I2 = 85.00%, P =0.01) rates. Ki-67 expression levels were associated with tumor thickness, but not sex, location, ulceration or vascular invasion.

CONCLUSION

Ki-67 is a useful poor prognostic indicator for melanoma patients.