Hypoxia-inducible Factor 1 Alpha (HIF-1α) as a Prognostic Indicator in Patients with Gastric Tumors: A Meta-analysis

Abstract

Background and <br/><b>Objective</b>: Though researched for years, the prognostic role of hypoxia-inducible factor1 alpha (HIF-1α) in gastric cancer is still controversial. We thus undertook a systematic review to assess therelationship. <br/><b>Method</b>: A systematically literature search of Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, China BiologicalMedicine Disc and Cochrane Library was undertaken in February 2013, and the reference lists of articles wereretrieved. <br/><b>Results</b>: 12 trials (1,555 participants) were included to assess the association between HIF-1α expressionand survival. Summary hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated. HIF-1α expression was significantly correlatedwith poor overall survival of gastric cancer patients (HR=1.34, 95%CI: 1.13-1.58; P=0.0009), but not with poordisease free survival of gastric cancer patients (HR=1.67, 95%CI: 0.99-2.82; P=0.06). <br/><b>Conclusion</b>: HIF-1α wasassociated with poor OS, but not DFS, especially for Asian patients. But studies evaluating relationships of HIF-1α with OS and DFS in non-Asian gastric cancer patients appear needed.