Prevalence of GLUT1 overexpression in human cancers a systematic review and meta analysis

The clinical significance of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) expression in cancers remains controversial due to inconsistent findings. This meta-analysis systematically evaluates the association between GLUT1 overexpression and its prevalence in cancer tissues, highlighting its potential role as a diagnostic biomarker.

A comprehensive search of MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library was performed up to May 30, 2024, to identify observational studies and RCTs examining the association of GLUT1 expression with its prevalence in cancer tissues. Data were analyzed using random-effects models, and results were presented as Risk Ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses were performed based on cancer types and geographical locations. This meta-analysis focused on the diagnostic significance of GLUT1 expression in distinguishing cancer tissues from normal tissues. Publication bias and sensitivity analyses were assessed.

Seventeen studies with 1,795 patients were included. GLUT1 overexpression was significantly associated with its prevalence in cancer tissues compared to normal tissues (RR = 5.57, 95% CI = 3.42-9.09, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed the highest prevalence in urological cancers (RR = 20.56, 95% CI = 10.85-38.93), followed by head and neck cancers (RR = 18.00, 95% CI = 2.66-121.63), and gynecological cancers (RR = 10.55, 95% CI = 2.06-54.00). Geographical analysis indicated a stronger association in Europe (RR = 24.18, 95% CI = 13.37-43.73) than in East Asia (RR = 6.16, 95% CI = 2.69-14.15) and North America (RR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.32-2.73). This analysis evaluates the diagnostic significance of GLUT1 expression in cancer tissues. Evidence of publication bias was detected based on Egger's test (z = 4.667, p < 0.001), suggesting funnel plot asymmetry.

GLUT1 overexpression is associated with its high prevalence in cancer tissues, particularly in urological and head and neck cancers. These findings suggest that GLUT1 may serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker in oncology. However, this study does not evaluate survival outcomes (such as overall survival or progression-free survival), and further research is needed to determine its diagnostic significance and therapeutic potential.