Modest effect of p53, EGFR and HER-2/neu on prognosis in epithelial ovarian cancer: a meta-analysis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: P53, EGFR and HER-2/neu are the most frequently studied molecular biological parameters in epithelial ovarian cancer, but their prognostic impact is still unequivocal. We performed a meta-analysis to more precisely estimate their prognostic significance. METHODS: Published studies that investigated the association between p53, EGFR and HER-2/neu status and survival were identified. Meta-analysis was performed using a DerSimonian -Laird model. Publication bias was investigated using funnel plots and sources of heterogeneity were identified using meta-regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 62 studies were included for p53, 15 for EGFR and 20 for HER-2/neu. P53, EGFR and HER-2/neu status had a modest effect on overall survival (pooled HR 1.47, 95% CI 1.33 -1.61 for p53; HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.25 -2.19 for EGFR and HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.34 -2.08 for HER-2/neu). Meta-regression analysis for p53 showed that FIGO stage distribution influenced study outcome. For EGFR and HER-2/neu, considerable publication bias was present. CONCLUSIONS: Although p53, EGFR and HER-2/neu status modestly influences survival, these markers are, by themselves, unlikely to be useful as prognostic markers in clinical practice. Our study highlights the need for well-defined, prospective clinical trials and more complete reporting of results of prognostic factor studies.

Hormone Receptor, HER2/NEU and EGFR Expression in Ovarian Carcinoma - is here a Prognostic Phenotype?

“…The expression rates of EGFR in ovarian cancer vary due to different evaluation techniques (gene amplification or protein overexpression by IHC) and reported as 4-70% in the literature (de Graeff et al, 2009). In our study, membranous EGFR positivity was observed in 45.1% of the study group, which was compatible with the results of a previous study performed by Noske et al (2011).…”

Association between MutL homolog 1 polymorphisms and the risk of colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis

“…Study quality was assessed independently by two authors (Haiyan Chen and Yeting Hu) according to our modified criteria (Table S1). These criteria were developed to assess the quality of included studies, based on the representativeness of cases and controls, ascertainment of CRC, characteristics of control, sample size and genotyping examination (Thakkinstian et al 2005;Gao et al 2011;De Graeff et al 2009). The total scores ranged from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating better quality.…”

Clinical Outcomes and Correlates of TP53 Mutations and Cancer

“…A meta-analysis of 62 studies addressing the prognostic significance of p53 abnormalities using IHC or mutational analysis found that overall p53 aberrant status confers poor survival, but the effect was modest (de Graeff et al 2009). …”