The prognostic role of miR-31 in colorectal cancer: the results of a meta-analysis of 4720 patients

Aims: To study the association between miR-31 expression and clinical outcomes in colorectal cancer. Methods: A systematic search was performed and 16 studies were found eligible. To calculate the combined hazard ratio (HR), the DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model was used. Results: Pooled analysis revealed significant associations between high miR-31 expression and poor overall (HR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.47-0.97; I-2: 68.6%) and progression-free survival (HR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.33-0.73; I-2: 81.1%). High expressers were more likely to have a BRAF mutation. Therapeutic regimen and the mutational status significantly affected the observed associations. Conclusion: We identified that high miR-31 expression is associated with poor overall survival and progression-free survival and has a significant predictive value for anti-EGFR response. Lay abstract We aim to investigate whether the molecular marker miR-31 is useful in predicting clinical outcomes in colorectal cancer (CRC). We conducted a systematic search in the major scientific databases was performed and 16 studies were found eligible for data extraction.The analysis revealed that high levels of miR-31 in CRC patients are indicative of a shorter survival time. Patients with high miR-31 levels were also more likely to have a mutation in BRAF, an important gene in the pathogenesis and response to treatment of CRC patients. We showed that high levels of miR-31 are associated with shorter survival with a significant predictive value for anti-EGFR response.

Automated summary

High miR-31 expression is associated with poor overall survival and progression-free survival in colorectal cancer patients, with a significant predictive value for anti-EGFR response. High expressers are more likely to have a BRAF mutation, and the observed associations are significantly affected by therapeutic regimen and mutational status.