Prognostic value of lymph node micrometastasis in esophageal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Whether lymph node micrometastasis (LNM) increases the risk in esophageal cancer patients remains controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the prognosis value of LNM in esophageal cancer patients.

Methods

Two reviewers independently searched electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, for eligible citations until February 2022. We calculated pooled estimates of the hazards ratio with a random-effects model. The certainty of evidence was determined by the Grade of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) method. A sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the stability. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger's test. We also performed subgroup analysis to e

SUBMITTER: Yang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9845692 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature