Prognostic value of SPARC in hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract

ObjectiveHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by a high degree of malignancy, rapid proliferation of tumor cells, and early liver metastasis. Resistance to multiple drugs independent of the high expression of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is associated with a high risk of recurrence and mortality. However, the prognostic value of SPARC in patients with HCC remains unclear. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between the expression of SPARC and the prognosis of patients with HCC.MethodsWe searched for relevant articles in the CNKI, PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases. The 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for combined overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) to assess the prognostic value of expression of SPARC in patients with HCC.ResultsIn six of the studies, SPARC expression status was significantly associated with OS (combined hazard ratio [HR], 1.38; 95% CI, 1.0-1.82; Z = 2.27, P = 0.02) but not with DFS (combined HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.16-4.00, Z = 0.28, P = 0.78). Therefore, it cannot be assumed that upregulated SPARC expression has an effect on DFS in patients with HCC.ConclusionElevated SPARC expression is associated with a low survival rate but not with DFS in patients with HCC. Further studies are needed to confirm our conclusions.RegistrationINPLASY registration number: INPLASY202180115. https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2021-8-0115/.