The Value of lncRNA NEAT1 as a Prognostic Factor for Survival of Cancer Outcome: A Meta-Analysis

The present meta-analysis aimed to analyze available data to identify the prognostic role of NEAT1 in multiple carcinomas. A systematic search was performed by using several computerized databases from inception to June 7, 2017. The quantity of the publications was assessed according to MOOSE checklist. Pooled HRs with 95% CI was calculated to summarize the effect. A total of 12 studies with 3,262 cancer patients were pooled in the analysis to evaluate the prognostic value of NEAT1 in multiple tumors. High expression levels of NEAT1 were demonstrated to be associated with poor OS (HR = 1.71, 95%CI: 1.37–2.14, P < 0.001) and tumor progression (III/IV vs. I/II: HR 1.76, 95%CI: 1.40–2.21, P < 0.00001). Subgroup analysis showed that NEAT1 detection method (qRT-PCR) and sample size (more or less than 100) did not alter the predictive value of NEAT1 on OS in various cancers. According to the meta-regression results, the large heterogeneity of meta-analysis may be attributed to the differences of NEAT1 detection method. Furthermore, elevated NEAT1 expression significantly predicted lymph node metastasis (HR: 2.10, 95%CI: 1.32–3.33, P = 0.002) and distant metastasis (HR: 2.80, 95%CI: 1.60–4.91, P = 0.0003) respectively. The results indicate that NEAT1 expression level is a prognostic biomarker for OS and metastasis in general tumors.