BACKGROUND: Recently, some studies were performed to evaluate the relevance of B7-H4 and gastric cancer (GC) prognosis. However, the results remained controversial. Therefore, we performed the present meta-analysis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a systematic search in PubMed and Web of Science databases. All data were extracted and reviewed from each eligible study independently by 2 investigators. The strength of association between B7-H4 and GC prognosis was assessed by computing odds ratio (OR) with its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS: Six studies that evaluated the association between B7-H4 and GC prognosis were included. The results showed a statistically significant association of B7-H4 and GC prognosis (OR=1.63, 95%CI=1.30–2.03). Furthermore, we conducted subgroup analysis based on source of B7-H4; the results from blood (OR=1.71; 95%CI, 1.09–2.68) and tissue (OR=1.60; 95%CI, 1.03–2.07) indicated B7-H4 was significantly associated with poor prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis suggests that GC patients with high B7-H4 have poor prognosis.

Keywords: Odds Ratio, V-Set Domain-Containing T-Cell Activation Inhibitor 1 - metabolism