The prognostic value of long non coding RNAs in non small cell lung cancer: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Reports have demonstrated the prognostic function of long non-coding RNAS (lncRNAS) in patients with cancer. However, their prognostic functions in non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain controversial. We therefore performed a meta-analysis on six lncRNAs (PVT1, AFAP1-AS1, LINC01133, ANRIL, MEG3 and UCA1) to clarify their prognostic roles in NSCLC. RESULTS: Thirty-six studies involving 6267 patients with NSCLC and 34 lncRNAs were included. Of the listed lncRNAs, 20 were shown to negatively affect patients' overall survival while the high expression of 13 lncRNAs indicated better survival outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The log-rank p value and Kaplan–Meier survival curves of survival outcomes were extracted for hazard ratio (HR) calculation. Survival outcomes were measured by overall survival (OS) and event free survival (EFS) which were then analyzed by calculating pooled hazard ratios. The heterogeneity was detected by Q statistic and I-squared statistic. CONCLUSIONS: The abnormal expression of lncRNAs may significantly affect NSCLC patients' survival and may serve as a novel predictive factor for prognosis of NSCLC patients.