Published online Jun 20, 2023. doi: 10.5662/wjm.v13.i3.153
Peer-review started: January 14, 2023
First decision: April 13, 2023
Revised: April 30, 2023
Accepted: May 16, 2023
Article in press: May 16, 2023
Published online: June 20, 2023
Processing time: 157 Days and 2.9 Hours
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are considered the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Microvessel density (MVD) constitutes a direct method of vascularity quantification and has been associated with survival rates in multiple malignancies.
To appraise the effect of MVD on the survival of patients with GIST.
This study adhered to Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Electronic scholar databases and grey literature repositories were systematically screened. The Fixed Effects or Random Effects models were used according to the Cochran Q test.
In total, 6 eligible studies were identified. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) for disease free survival (DFS) was 8.52 (95%CI: 1.69-42.84, P = 0.009). The odds ratios of disease-free survival between high and low MVD groups at 12 and 60 mo did not reach statistical significance. Significant superiority of the low MVD group in terms of DFS was documented at 36 and 120 mo (OR: 8.46, P < 0.0001 and OR: 22.71, P = 0.0003, respectively) as well as at metastases rate (OR: 0.11, P = 0.0003).
MVD significantly correlates with the HR of DFS and overall survival rates at 36 and 120 mo. Further prospective studies of higher methodological quality are required.
Core Tip: This systematic review and meta-analysis summarize all available data regarding the prognostic role of microvessel density (MVD) in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). MVD measurement affects long term GIST survival. However, further prospective studies are necessary.