Long non-coding RNA XIST expression as a prognostic factor in human cancers: A meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• The X inactive-specific transcript (XIST) long noncoding RNA is increasingly implicated in cancer progression.
• Previous studies suggest a correlation between high XIST expression and poor patient prognosis, but often with limited sample sizes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a meta-analysis evaluating the association between XIST expression and key clinicopathological features and survival outcomes in cancer patients.
• To consolidate evidence from existing literature to provide a more robust assessment of XIST's prognostic value.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was performed across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases.
• Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for XIST expression in relation to tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and overall survival.
• Data from 14 studies encompassing 1123 cancer patients were included.

Main Results:

• High XIST expression was significantly associated with poorer overall survival (HR 1.82; 95% CI 1.32, 2.52; P = 0.0003).
• Elevated XIST levels correlated significantly with advanced TNM stage (OR 3.64; 95% CI 2.62, 5.07; P < 0.0001), lymph node metastasis (OR 2.39; 95% CI 1.65, 3.46; P < 0.0001), and distant metastasis (OR 2.84; 95% CI 1.90, 4.23; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

• High expression of the long noncoding RNA XIST serves as a significant indicator of poor prognosis in human cancers.
• XIST may function as a valuable predictive biomarker for aggressive cancer behavior and adverse patient outcomes.