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Meta-Analysis
. 2022 Dec;16(4):1185-1194.
doi: 10.1007/s12105-022-01474-1. Epub 2022 Jul 29.

Prognostic Relevance of Lymphatic Vessel Density in Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Oral Cavity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Ankita Tandon  1 , Kumari Sandhya  2 , Narendra Nath Singh  3 , Amit Kumar  4
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Prognostic Relevance of Lymphatic Vessel Density in Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Oral Cavity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Ankita Tandon et al. Head Neck Pathol. 2022 Dec.

Abstract

Background: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC), a major debilitating illness demands focus in recent times due to a constant upsurge in cases and poor prognostic implications. An urgent mandate upon finding evidence of relevant prognostic markers is the need of the hour. This systematic review and meta-analysis, therefore, elect an objective assessment of Lymphatic Vessel Density (LVD) as a pertinent parameter governing OSCC prognosis.

Methods: The study protocol was registered at the International Prospective Register Of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). Databases were searched using the MeSH keywords for all study types following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The exposure under consideration was the evaluation of LVD in patients of OSCC. The outcome was measured as pooled Hazard/Odd's/Risk ratios in survived versus non-survived OSCC population. The risk of bias assessment was performed using the QUIPS tool. Heterogeneity was assessed by Chi-square and I2 statistics whereas publication bias was investigated using Egger's test of significance. All the statistical analysis was conducted using STATA version 13.0.

Results: The initial search of 226 records were screened and filtered through the inclusion and exclusion criteria to achieve an outcome of 15 studies for qualitative synthesis out of which seven studies were eligible for meta-analysis. Pooled Hazard of enhanced Lymphatic Vessel Density was not found to be statistically significant (HR = 1.98, p = 0.553); contrary to the pooled Odd's/Risk for patient survival which was statistically significant (RR = 1.33, p = 0.046). The I2 test of heterogeneity was also significant (58.8%, p = 0.046).

Conclusions: This meta-analysis helps to generate pathfinding evidence for a noteworthy role of Lymphatic Vessel Density evaluation in suggesting OSCC prognosis.

Keywords: Lymphatic vessel density; Lymphatic vessel endothelial Receptor-1; Oral squamous cell carcinoma; Podoplanin.

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Conflict of interest statement

None.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) flowchart
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Risk of Bias assessment (a, b)
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Forest plots; (a) Hazard Ratio, (b) Odd’s/Risk Ratio
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Clinicopathologic co-relations; (a) Lymph node metastasis, (b) Recurrence of the primary tumor
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Funnel Plot for assessment of Publication Bias
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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