Prognostic significance of circRNAs expression in breast carcinoma patients: A meta-analysis

ObjectiveThe aim of our study was to systematically evaluate the prognostic effects of various circrnas and to explore the prognostic value of circRNAs in breast cancer patients. MethodsA systematical search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases. Eligible studies reporting on the association among circRNAs and prognostic values of breast cancer patients were included. Fixed-effects and random effects models were used to calculate the pooled hazard ratio values of overall survival and disease free survival. In addition, funnel plots were used to qualitatively analyze the publication bias. Results28 studies were included in our meta-analysis. The pooled hazard ratio values of overall survival and disease free survival related to different circRNAs expression in breast cancer patients were 1.68 (1.44-1.97), 2.63 (1.95-3.53).We have identified a total of 28 circRNAs including 19 significantly up-regulated expression circRNAs and 9 significantly down-regulated expression circRNAs in BC(breast cancer) patients. Moreover, all of them revealed mechanisms and have the function of promoting or inhibiting the proliferation, metastasis or invasion of breast cancer cells by acting on the corresponding target. ConclusionOverall, specific circRNAs are significantly associated with the prognosis of BC patients and potentially eligible for the prediction of patients survival. It also provides a potential value for clinical decision-making development and may serve as a promising circRNAs-based target therapy waiting for further elucidation.