Prognostic significance of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein in patients with gastrointestinal tract cancers: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: The aim of this meta-analysis was to systematically evaluate the prognostic significance of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) in patients with gastrointestinal tract (GIT) cancers. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched for potentially eligible literature. The baseline characteristics and relevant data were extracted. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to assess the prognostic role of XIAP in patients with GIT cancers. RESULTS: Twelve studies with 2,477 patients were included. The pooled HRs of higher expression of XIAP for overall survival (OS) and recurrence free survival (RFS) in patients with GIT cancers were 1.64 (95% CI, 1.27–2.13) and 1.06 (95% CI, 0.96–1.16), respectively. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were also performed. No significant publication bias was found. CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that XIAP could be a prognostic marker for OS but not RFS in patients with GIT cancers. Higher expression of XIAP was related to poorer OS. These findings may help evaluate the prognosis of patients and assist future research on novel therapeutic strategies of GIT cancers by targeting XIAP. However, more well-designed studies are warranted to verify the results.