Low KISS1 expression predicts poor prognosis for patients with colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis.

KISS1 and KISS1R, a novel pair of metastasis suppressors, are likely to be associated with the prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, a meta-analysis was performed to study the role of KISS1 and KISS1R in CRC. Heterogeneity, stability and publication bias were all estimated. Six publications describing a total of 559 CRC patients were included in the present study. Low KISS1 expression predicted 70% higher risk of poor prognosis for general patients (HR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.28-2.29) and 99% higher risk for East Asian patients (HR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.46-2.72). Limited evidence indicated that decreased KISS1R expression might predict poor outcome (HR, 2.96; 95% CI, 1.51-5.82). Neither heterogeneity nor publication bias was identified. The current analyses suggest that low KISS1 expression predicts poor overall survival among East Asian patients with CRC. Evidence on other races and KISS1R are still insufficient, and additional studies are required to clarify the risk of CRC associated with KISS1R by race.