NF-κB Expression and Outcomes in Solid Tumors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) is a critical transcription factor involved in inflammation and frequently overexpressed in various cancers.
• Previous studies on the prognostic value of NF-κB in solid tumors have yielded conflicting results.
• A comprehensive meta-analysis is needed to clarify the association between NF-κB overexpression and patient survival.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a meta-analysis evaluating the association between NF-κB overexpression and overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with solid tumors.
• To synthesize evidence from existing studies to provide a clearer understanding of NF-κB's prognostic role.

Main Methods:

• Searched PubMed and EBSCO databases for relevant studies assessing NF-κB expression (via immunohistochemistry) and survival outcomes.
• Extracted data from 44 studies involving 4418 patients.
• Pooled data using the Mantel-Haenszel random-effect model to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for mortality at 3, 5, and 10 years.

Main Results:

• NF-κB overexpression was significantly associated with worse OS at 3, 5, and 10 years (P < 0.00001 for 3 and 5 years, P = 0.005 for 10 years).
• Similar trends were observed for DFS.
• Association with poor survival was consistent across different Tumor, Node, Metastasis (TNM) stages and specific cancer types, including colorectal, esophageal, and non-small cell lung cancer.
• No correlation was found between the cellular localization of NF-κB and OS.

Conclusions:

• NF-κB overexpression is a significant indicator of poor prognosis in the majority of solid tumors.
• The findings highlight NF-κB as a potential therapeutic target for improving cancer patient survival.
• The prognostic impact of NF-κB appears independent of its cellular localization.