The Notch signaling pathway in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A meta-analysis

Background The Notch signaling pathway has been associated with the regulation of self-renewal capacity, cell cycle exit, and survival. However, the relationship between the Notch signaling pathway and HNSCC remains controversial. Objectives A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the role of Notch signaling pathway in HNSCC. Material and methods Relevant studies published until March 31, 2015 were identified by searching the PubMed, EMBASE and Ovid database. Results A total of 9 articles were eligible for this meta-analysis. The meta-analysis results showed that the expression of Notch1, Notch3 and NICD was significantly higher in HNSCC as compared with control tissue. There was no significant difference in Jagged1 and HES1 expression between HNSCC and control tissue. Stratified analysis results showed that the expression of Notch1 was significantly higher in poor differentiation, III and IV stage and positive lymph node metastasis patients. Additionally, over-expression of Notch1, NICD, HES1 and DLL4 significantly predicted poor OS in HNSCC patients. Conclusion The Notch signaling pathway plays an important role in tumor development of HNSCC. Inhibition of the Notch signaling pathway is a potential therapeutic method of HNSCC.