Several studies have reported the role of circRNAs in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and prognosis of different cancers. This meta-analysis study aimed to evaluate the potential of using circRNAs as prognostic biomarkers of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
816 relevant articles were retrieved from PubMed and Science Direct databases, out of which 17 met the inclusion criteria. These 17 studies were assessed for quality by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) system, and 9 high quality studies (NOS>7) were included in the meta-analysis. Cochran Q test and the I square (
The dysregulated levels of 9 circRNAs (circPVT1, circCORO1C, circ_0000199, circCUX1, circPARD3, circMYC, circ_0102272, circ_0092125 and circ_00072387) were inversely related to OS of HNSCC patients [upregulated circRNA (univariate analysis: HR = 3.40, 95% CI: 2.66-4.36, p < 0.0001,
Nine different circRNAs dysregulated in HNSCC tumors may serve as potential prognostic markers of HNSCC. These markers are associated with reduced OS and poor clinicopathological outcomes of HNSCC patients. They are also involved in the pathogenesis and progression of HNSCC through diverse mechanisms.