Altered long noncoding RNAs and survival outcomes in ovarian cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA Compliant)

BACKGROUND: Previous studies investigating the association between altered long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and survival outcomes in ovarian cancer have obtained controversial results. To comprehensively evaluate the association, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the studies published on the subject. METHODS: We performed a systematic search using the databases of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, and Embase to find all relevant articles from inception to May 7, 2017. Studies that evaluated the association between 1 specific lncRNA and survival outcomes in ovarian cancer were included. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for overall survival, progression-free survival, and disease-free survival were calculated with a fixed-effects or random-effects model. RESULTS: A total of 15 studies involving 1333 patients with ovarian cancer were included in this meta-analysis. Altered lncRNAs were associated with decreased overall survival (HR: 2.29, 95% CI: 1.92–2.75) without heterogeneity (I(2) = 0.0%) in ovarian cancer. Altered lncRNAs were also associated with decreased progression-free survival (HR: 2.77, 95% CI: 1.00–7.62, I(2) = 76.6%) and disease-free survival (HR: 2.59, 95% CI: 0.89–7.57, I(2) = 62.9%) in ovarian cancer. CONCLUSION: Our results supported the strong prognostic value of altered lncRNAs in ovarian cancer. Further large-scale studies should be carried out to verify the clinical applications of altered lncRNAs in the prognosis assessment of ovarian cancer.