The prognostic significance of LTBP2 for malignant tumors: Evidence based on 11 observational studies

At present, increasing reports have shown that latent transforming growth factor-β-binding protein 2 (LTBP2) was associated with the prognosis of many types of cancer. We performed rounded analysis to comprehensively analyze and evaluate the prognostic significance of LTBP2 for patients with malignant tumors.

We identified relevant studies by searching database including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. The odds ratio with its 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to assess the correlation between LTBP2 and clinicopathologic features or overall survival of patients with cancer. Hazard ratio with its 95% CI was used to explore the prognostic risk factors. The analysis was performed and assessed using Review Manager 5.2.

A total of 11 studies including 2322 participants were included in this systematic review. Pooled results showed that malignant tissues experienced higher incidence of high LTBP2 expression when compared with adjacent or normal tissues. Patients with high LTBP2 expression experienced significantly lower 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, and 4-year overall survival rate, with the pooled odds ratios being 0.26 (95% CI 0.13-0.53; P = .0002), 0.27 (95% CI 0.14-0.50; P < .0001), 0.26 (95% CI 0.13-0.53; P = .0002), and 0.21 (95% CI 0.06-0.73; P = .01) respectively. Univariate analysis showed high LTBP2 expression, tumor node metastasis stage, T stage, and N stage were prognostic factors of patients with tumors. Multivariate analysis indicated high LTBP2 expression was an independent prognostic factor.

The present analysis suggested that LTBP2 may have significant association with survival of patients with cancer. High LTBP2 expression was an independent prognostic factor and indicated poor survival.