LncRNA MALAT1 as diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in colorectal cancers: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This study investigated the relationship between the long non-coding RNA Metastasis-Associated Lung Adenocarcinoma Transcript 1 (MALAT1) expression and colorectal cancer (CRC) using a thorough systematic review and meta-analysis. Under the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was conducted on studies published from the databases' inception to September 18, 2023. Prognostic value and diagnostic accuracy were explored. Additionally, the association between levels of MALAT1 expression and pathological features was investigated. The statistical analysis was performed using the "meta" package of R. Among the pathological parameters examined, based on three studies involving 51 cases of metastatic CRC and 135 cases of non-metastatic CRC, a statistically significant correlation was found between the expression level of MALAT1 and distant metastasis, with an OR of 16.0118 (95% CI: 4.5618-56.2015). Three studies involving 378 cases reported overall survival and had a pooled HR of 2.3854 (95% CI: 1.3272-4.2875). Three studies involving 436 cases reported disease-free survival and had a pooled HR of 2.4772 (95% CI: 1.3774-4.4549). All prognosis studies utilized tumor tissue samples as specimens to assess the expression level of MALAT1. Case-to-control diagnostic studies with 126 cases and 126 controls had a pooled AUC value of 0.6173 (95% CI: 0.5436-0.6909), a pooled sensitivity of 0.675 (95% CI: 0.324-0.900), and a pooled specificity of 0.771 (95% CI: 0.685-0.839). The expression of MALAT1 in CRC is highly correlated with distant metastasis and has an impact on survival and prognosis. MALAT1 could also be employed as a diagnostic biomarker. More prospective studies should be performed to assess the MALAT1 diagnostic potential in the early stages of CRC.