CD146 as a prognostic marker in breast cancer: A meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: CD146, a cell adhesion molecule, was first discovered in melanoma. Since then, it has been established as a promoter of tumor progression and metastasis. Many recent clinical studies have associated CD146 overexpression with poor prognosis in various cancers. However, clinical relevance of CD146 in prognosis of breast cancer has been poorly studied. Methods: We performed meta-analysis of data of all clinical studies associated with the prognostic value of CD146 expression in breast cancer. Relevant studies were retrieved from PubMed database as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria, data were extracted independently and carefully by two reviewers with the help of standardized form, and meta-analysis was performed to correlate CD146 expression with molecular subtypes, lymph node metastasis, and overall survival in breast cancer. Results: Our findings suggest that CD146 expression is predominantly found in triple-negative breast cancer subtype (pooled odds ratio = 2.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] =2.19–4.05, P < .00001) and breast tumors overexpressing CD146 have a higher risk of lymph node metastasis (pooled relative risk = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.44–1.87, P < .00001). Furthermore, high expression of CD146 was associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer (pooled hazard ratio = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.21–1.87, P = .0002). Conclusion: Overall results suggested that CD146 may be a potential prognostic marker to predict metastatic potential and disease outcomes in breast cancer and can be used as a therapeutic target.