VEGF Overexpression Is a Valuable Prognostic Factor for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Evidence from a Systemic Meta-Analysis

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a vital role in the progression of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Although multiple studies have investigated the relationship between VEGF expression and prognosis of NHL, these studies have yielded conflicting results. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the role of VEGF in the prognosis of NHL patients. We systematically searched eligible studies from databases and determined that there was a significant correlation between VEGF overexpression and overall survival (HR (hazard ratio) = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.25–2.22, P = 0.001). Based on subgroup analysis by study location, number of patients, the source of VEGF expression, and study design, we found that VEGF overexpression in surgically resected tissue (HR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.41–2.69, P = 0.000), but not in serum (HR = 1.37, 95% CI: 0.96–1.95, P = 0.087), was associated with poorer prognosis. Additionally, VEGF overexpression did not correlate with performance status, LDH level, IPI score, tumor staging, B symptoms, or NHL relapse. In summary, overexpression of VEGF in lymphoma tissue represents a promising potential prognostic factor in NHL.