966P - Potential role of neuropilin-1 in the prognosis, development and risk of invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma patients

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents the third most deadly cancer worldwide with still high therapeutic failure and recurrence rates mainly associated with the late diagnosis and the molecular heterogeneity of this liver tumor. The transmembrane glycoprotein neuropilin-1 (NRP1) has shown a key role in the modulation of tumor-associated signaling pathways and processes by interacting with key receptor tyrosine kinases. Nonetheless, few studies have evaluated the potential value of NRP1 as a tumor biomarker or therapeutic target in HCC. For this reason, we aimed at assessing the clinical significance of the receptor NRP1 in the prognosis, diagnosis and other tumor-associated features in HCC patients.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis including all the articles published up to May 31st 2022 that evaluated the clinical correlation of NRP1 overexpression with tumor prognosis, development and/or other clinicopathological features in patients diagnosed with HCC. An exhaustive literature search was performed in five online databases, selecting potential papers to be included based on predefined eligibility criteria. Data from included studies were extracted or estimated by Parmar method and meta-analyzed employing the STATA 16 software.

Results

A total of 1305 patients from seven studies were included in the quantitative analysis, showing approximately 53.81% of patients NRP1 overexpression. After meta-analysis, higher levels of NRP1 proved to be significantly correlated to poor prognosis, represented by lower overall survival (OS). Moreover, a significant association with tumor pathogenesis was also found by observing higher NRP1 expression in tumor tissue samples from 692 HCC patients. Finally, a marked correlation was obtained between increased NRP1 expression and patient’s age, younger than 50 years old, and a higher risk of venous invasion, highlighting the potential of NRP1 as a tumor biomarker in HCC.

Conclusions

Overall, these results suggest that NRP1 have a potential role for prognosis, development and risk of invasion, and, therefore, could constitute a valuable biomarker in patients diagnosed with HCC.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

CIBERehd is funded by Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Spain.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.