Competing endogenous RNA networks reveal long non-coding RNAs as potential prognostic biomarkers in gastric cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AimsGastric cancer (GC) represents a global health-care challenge. In recent years, a large number of competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network studies have elucidated critical long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as potential prognostic biomarkers in GC. Nevertheless, there is no systematic review and meta-analysis regarding them. Here, we propose a systematic review and meta-analysis for lncRNAs as prognostic biomarkers based on the ceRNA network studies in GC. Main methodsThe Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest and Google Scholar databases were searched to collect eligible ceRNA network studies in which lncRNAs were reported as prognostic biomarkers until 27th June 2022. The pooled hazard ratios (HRs) were assessed to evaluate the prognostic effect of the lncRNAs. Prognostic values of highly reported lncRNAs were also examined. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias were evaluated. Key findingsTotally, 35 studies were included in the systematic review among which 13 studies were eligible for meta-analysis. Pooled examination of HRs based on the univariate and multivariate reports revealed that the expression changes of the lncRNAs correlate with overall survival (OS) of GC patients. Two lncRNAs including CCDC144NL-AS1 and LINC01094 were highly reported as potential prognostic biomarkers based on the ceRNA network studies. Prognostic value of these two lncRNAs was furthermore confirmed by meta-analysis. SignificanceOur meta-analysis demonstrated potential application of lncRNAs introduced based on the ceRNA network studies as promising prognostic biomarkers in GC. Further functional studies are needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying these lncRNAs functions in GC.