Long non-coding RNA AFAP1-AS1 is a novel biomarker in various cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on the literature and GEO datasets

BACKGROUND: Growing evidence indicates that AFAP1-AS1 plays an important role in various cancers, suggesting that it might be a potential cancer biomarker. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A meta-analysis was performed using microarray data obtained via the Affymetrix Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 platform (found in the GEO database) and data obtained through a systematic search of PubMed and Web of Science. The pooled odds ratio (OR) and hazard ratio (HR) with 95% CI (confidence interval) were used to judge the value of biomarkers. RESULTS: A total of 30 studies were included in this meta-analysis, comprising a total of 3573 patients. AFAP1-AS1 was significantly linked with overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.12–2.23) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.68–3.19). We found that AFAP1-AS1 was a risk factor in the prognoses of lung cancer (pooled HR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.01–2.34), digestive system cancer (pooled HR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.45–2.41) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (HR: 11.82; 95% CI: 5.09–27.46). AFAP1-AS1 was also a risk factor for RFS in breast cancer (pooled HR = 2.90; 95% CI: 1.69–4.98), as well as TNM stage in both esophageal cancer (pooled OR = 1.90; 95% CI: 1.01–3.57) and colorectal cancer (OR = 6.72; 95% CI: 1.92–23.58). AFAP1-AS1 was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis in clear cell carcinoma (OR = 5.04; 95% CI: 2.36–10.78) and distant metastasis in pancreatic cancer (OR = 11.64; 95% CI: 2.13–63.78). CONCLUSIONS: AFAP1-AS1 can serve as a novel molecular marker predicting tumor progression, patient prognosis and lymph node metastasis in different types of cancers.