Background. Recently, P16INK4a expression has been shown to be correlated with cancer-specific survival (CSS) in penile squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis to clarify the prognostic value of P16INK4a for penile SCC. Methods. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science to identify all relevant articles up to May 25, 2017. Hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of included studies were pooled to estimate the prognostic value. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was performed to assess the quantity and strength of survival evidence. Results. Five retrospective studies consisting of 323 cases were finally included. We found that P16INK4a positive expression was significantly associated with a better CSS of penile SCC (HR=0.45, 95%CI: 0.30-0.67, P<0.001). No heterogeneity or publication bias was noted among the included studies. Furthermore, TSA demonstrated that the findings were based on sufficient evidence. Conclusions. P16INK4a positive expression is independently associated with improved CSS for patients with penile SCC.
Molecular stratification by BCL2A1 and AIM2 provides additional prognostic value in penile squamous cell carcinoma