A meta-analysis of STAT3 and phospho-STAT3 expression and survival of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer

Abstract Background The prognostic role of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and phospho-STAT3 in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains controversial. To clarify its impact on survival, we performed a meta-analysis to quantitatively assess STAT3 and phospho-STAT3 expression on the prognosis of NSCLC. Methods Published studies were identified using a systematic and thorough literature search. To be eligible, a study had to investigate STAT3 or phospho-STAT3 expression rates of NSCLC patients in different characteristics and provide patient survival data. Results A total of 17 retrospective trials were chosen for meta-analysis, including 1793 patients. The estimated pooled log HR (0.67, 95%CI: 0.57–0.77) of 9 trials (STAT3: log HR 0.71, 95%CI 0.38–1.04; phospho-STAT3: log HR 0.67, 95%CI 0.56–0.77) for NSCLC was statistically significant ( P