Background Per1, Per2, Per3, Cry1, Cry2, Bmal1, Npas2 and CLOCK genes are the eight core circadian clock genes. Low expression of these circadian clock genes plays an important role in the progression of cancers. However, its clinicopathological and prognostic value in patients with cancers remains controversial and inconclusive. We performed a meta-analysis of studies assessing the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of low expression of these genes in cancers. Methods Relevant studies were searched from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, EBSCO, Ovid, PubMed, Science Direct, Wiley Online Library database, CNKI and Wan Fang database. The meta-analysis was performed by using STATA version 12 software. A random-effect model was employed to evaluate all pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and odd ratios (ORs). Results A total of 36 studies comprising 7476 cases met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis suggested that low expression of Per1 was associated with poor differentiation (Per1: OR=2.