Prognostic value of NOB1 expression levels in various cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

<b>Aim:</b> This study evaluates the prognostic significance of <i>NOB1</i> expression levels in various cancers. <b>Patients &amp; methods:</b> Studies examining NOB1 expression in cancer, encompassing data from 1694 patients across 14 studies, were analyzed for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) using hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs, and for clinicopathological parameters using relative risks (RRs). <b>Results:</b> High <i>NOB1</i> expression correlated with shorter OS (HR: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.82–2.48) and PFS (HR: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.62–3.07) and was associated with adverse tumor characteristics such as stage and metastasis. <b>Conclusion:</b> Elevated <i>NOB1</i> expression in various tumors signifies a poor prognosis, serving as a predictive marker for malignancy outcomes. <b>PROSPERO Register Number:</b> CRD42023394051 This study looked at how a protein called NOB1 affects cancer. NOB1 is usually found in healthy parts of the body like the lungs and liver, but it might also show up in cancer. We checked data from many sources to see if there's a connection between NOB1 and cancer's severity. After studying 1694 samples from 14 studies, we found that people with more NOB1 in their bodies had a tougher time with cancer. Their disease got worse quicker and they did not live as long as those with less NOB1. Also, higher NOB1 levels were linked to more serious and aggressive cancers. This means that NOB1 could help doctors predict how bad a patient's cancer is and plan treatments better. A comprehensive meta-analysis indicates that elevated <i>NOB1</i> expression is associated with shorter survival in various cancers. This discovery underscores the potential of NOB1 as a prognostic marker in malignant tumors. #CancerResearch #PrognosticMarker Cancer is a significant global health concern, leading to high mortality rates worldwide. Timely diagnosis, treatment and prognostic assessment of cancer patients remain challenging. The search for biological markers related to cancer occurrence, progression and prognosis is crucial. <i>NOB1</i> gene, associated with cell cycle regulation and protein expression, has garnered attention for its potential role in cancer. A systematic literature search was conducted following PRISMA-P guidelines. Inclusion criteria involved cohort or case-control studies with confirmed malignancy diagnosis and available survival data. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two researchers. Statistical analyses were conducted using STATA software, focusing on HRs and RRs to evaluate NOB1's prognostic value and clinicopathological associations. Literature screening yielded 14 eligible studies from China, covering nine cancer types and involving 1694 cases. Higher NOB1 expression levels were significantly associated with shorter OS and PFS in cancer patients. NOB1 expression correlated with tumor stage, degree of differentiation, lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis. Subgroup analyses showed consistent associations across different cancer types and sample sizes. NOB1's aberrant expression in various cancers suggests its potential as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target. The exact molecular mechanisms underlying NOB1's role in tumorigenesis and progression remain unclear. Future research should address the limitations of existing studies and explore NOB1's prognostic value across a broader range of cancers. High NOB1 expression is associated with poor prognosis in various cancers, indicating its potential as a prognostic marker. NOB1 expression levels may help stratify patients for risk assessment and treatment planning. Further validation through larger, multicenter studies and standardized clinical trials is warranted to confirm NOB1's prognostic significance across different cancer types.