Prognostic value of miRNA-181a/b in colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Aims: miR-181a and miR-181b have been investigated as prognostic biomarkers of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, there is controversy about the role of miR-181a and miR-181b in predicting CRC prognosis. Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis to evaluate prognostic values of miR-181a and miR-181b in CRC patients. Materials & methods: Studies were systemically searched from publications and analyzed, and 999 CRC cases in nine studies were examined in this meta-analysis. Results: Hazard ratio for overall survival of high miR-181a and miR-181b expression in CRC was 1.65. More prominent predictive effects were observed in black people, miR-181b group and small-sample-size group. Conclusion: High levels of miR-181a and miR-181b predict poor overall survival in CRC patients. miR-181a and miR-181b are promising biomarkers for CRC prognosis.