Clinicopathological and Prognostic Significance of Epidermal Growth Factor-Like Domain 7 (EGFL7) Overexpression in Primary Central Nervous System Tumor: A Meta-Analysis

Background : Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are associated with high rates of progression and mortality. Several biomarkers have been identified and investigated for their role in tumor progression, including Epidermal Growth Factor-Like Domain 7 (EGFL7). This study aims to evaluate the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of EGFL7 overexpression in CNS tumor. Methods : The literature search was conducted using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. Studies were selected according to PRISMA guidelines and analyzed using Review Manager 5.4 (Cochrane Collaboration, UK). Results : A total of 313 patients with CNS tumors from six eligible studies were included in this meta-analysis. EGFL7 overexpression was significantly associated with tumor grade and Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score (OR, 6.86; 95% CI, 2.41 – 19.57; p, 0.0003; and OR, 2.92; 95% CI, 1.52 – 5.59; p, 0.001 respectively). Furthermore, EGFL7 overexpression was significantly associated with the poorer overall survival (HR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.02 – 2.63; p, 0.04). Conclusions : EGFL7 overexpression is associated with clinicopathologic characteristics and patient prognosis in CNS tumors. This highlights the potential of the marker as a valuable tool for diagnosis and disease risk assessment, contributing to enhanced personalization of treatment strategies and cancer monitoring.