Prognostic Significance of Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transition in Triple-Negative Breast Cancers

Because the prognostic value of mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) in triple-negative breast cancers remains controversial, we conducted a meta-analysis of the impact of MET in triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs). MET overexpression was associated with a 1.29-fold increased risk of recurrence in the TNBCs, and MET is an adverse prognostic marker for TNBCs. The results strengthen the rationale for targeted therapy of TNBCs using MET inhibitors in future clinical trials. Introduction: The prognostic value of the mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) in triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) remains controversial. A meta-analysis of the impact of MET in TNBCs was performed by searching published data. Methods: PubMed and Embase databases were searched for eligible literature. The principal outcome measures were hazard ratios (HRs) for recurrence-free survival or overall survival according to MET expression. Combined HRs were calculated using fixed- or random-effects models according to heterogeneity. Results: Six studies involving 785 patients met our selection criteria. The meta-analysis results showed that MET overexpression was associated with a 1.29-fold increased risk of recurrence (combined HR 1.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.60; P = .020) in the TNBCs. Three studies provided the related overall survival data (488 cases). The results showed that MET overexpression was associated with a 1.38-fold increased risk of mortality (HR, 1.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-1.76; P = .009). Conclusion: MET is an adverse prognostic marker for TNBCs. The results strengthen the rationale for targeted therapy of TNBCs using MET inhibitors in future clinical trials.