Prognostic role of MUC-2 expression in patients with gastric carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

L.-N. Hu, W. Su, X.-Z. Guo, T. Xu, H. Wang, M.-H. Yu

Department of Oncology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Pudong, Shanghai, China. ymh3011@126.com

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• Oncology

OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis aimed to assess the association of MUC-2 expression with clinicopathological parameters in gastric carcinoma (GC) patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical databases based on the study aim were searched in detail. The relative risk ratios (RRs) and associated 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were computed after eligible trials were included in the study.

RESULTS: Nineteen trials involving 2,363 GC patients were included in this meta-analysis. The expression of MUC-2 showed correlation with clinical stage (I/II vs. III/IV) (RR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.00-1.18, I2 = 24%, p = 0.194), and lymphatic invasion (present vs. absent) (RR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.72-0.95, I2 = 22.3%, p = 0.252). However, no significant association was identified between the MUC-2 expression and other clinicopathological parameters, including gender (male vs. female), tumor size (>5 vs. ≤5 cm), Lauren’s classification (intestinal vs. diffuse), tumor differentiation (poorly vs. well and moderately), lymph node metastasis (present vs. absent), vascular invasion (present vs. absent), and 5-year survival (yes vs. no) of GC patients.

CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis findings suggested that MUC-2 positive cases were correlated with lower tumor stage and lower rate of lymphatic invasion. Further clinical studies are warranted to confirm the role of MUC-2 in clinical practice.

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