Prognostic Significance of Matrix Metalloproteinase 14 in Patients with Cancer: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: There is increasing evidence that matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP-14) is involved in tumor progression and prognosis. MMP-14 exhibits different expression in patients with various cancers, suggesting that it may be considered as a potential prognostic biomarker for cancer. Methods: Therefore, this meta-analysis was performed to elucidate the prognostic value and association of MMP14 over-expression in several types of cancers. Eligible studies based on eligibility criteria from various online databases were searched. The pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for overall survival (OS) were analyzed to determine the prognostic value of MMP-14 using STATA software 12.0. Results: We identified sixteen applicable studies in this meta-analysis comprising 2,766 samples. Over-expression MMP-14 was significantly correlated with a poor overall survival (OS) outcome in multiple cancers (HR: 2.22; 95% CI: 1.72 - 2.87). Moreover, high levels of MMP-14 were markedly associated with tumor progression and metastasis (HR: 1.83; 95% CI: 1.36 - 2.46). MMP-14 expression was also associated with histological differentiation (OR: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.18 - 0.77). Conclusions: MMP-14 over-expression suggested aggressive biological behaviors and implied that MMP-14 may be a useful prognostic biomarker in human cancers.