Prognostic Value of Inflammasomes in Head and Neck Carcinoma: A Meta-analysis

Abstract Background: Inflammasomes play important roles in responding to insults, triggering inflammation. Nonetheless, their correlation with the prognosis of the head and neck carcinoma (HNC) patients remains controversial. Methods: In this meta-analysis, we searched 5 inflammasomes in PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases and included 14 prospective studies with 677 patients. There were two molecules, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) and Absent In Melanoma 2 (AIM2) satisfied the criteria for further analysis. Results: Higher expression of both NLRP3 and AIM2 was correlated with longer recurrence-free survival of HNC patients (P < 0.001). And higher level of AIM2 expression was associated with better overall survival in HNC patients (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Although publication bias potentially existed, NLRP3 and AIM2 are possible prognostic predictors in HNC patients.