Role of p15(INK4B) Methylation in Patients With Myelodysplastic Syndromes: A Systematic Meta-Analysis

Abstract

BackgroundTumor suppressor gene cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2B (p15(INK4B)) methylation has been frequently reported in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). However, the association between p15(INK4B) methylation and MDS remains elusive. Thus, this meta-analysis was first conducted to evaluate the clinical significance of p15(INK4B) methylation in MDS. Materials and MethodsEligible studies were identified via an online electronic databases search. The overall odds ratios (ORs) or hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. ResultsTwenty-eight studies published between 1997 and 2017 were identified, including 1205 MDS patients and 243 nontumor controls. No evidence of heterogeneity was found in our study. p15(INK4B) methylation was significantly elevated in MDS compared with nontumor controls (OR, 10.37; P < .001). In addition, p15(INK4B) methylation was significantly higher in advanced MDS than in early MDS (OR, 4.70; P < .001) and was linked to an unfavorable overall survival (multivariate analysis: HR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.23-2.71). Subgroup analyses on the basis of ethnicity and detection method showed that the results remained significant in different subgroups (all Ps < .05). ConclusionOur findings suggest that p15(INK4B) methylation might play an important role in the development, progression, and poor prognosis of MDS. More prospective studies with larger study populations are needed.