Association of RASSF1A promoter methylation with gastric cancer risk: a meta-analysis

Ras-association domain family 1A (RASSF1A), a candidate tumor suppressor gene, is frequently silenced and inactivated by hypermethylation of its promoter region in several human tumors. However, the association between RASSF1A promoter methylation and gastric cancer risk remains conflicting. The aim of this study was to assess the association of RASSF1A promoter methylation with gastric cancer risk by a comprehensive meta-analysis. Relevant studies were identified by searches of PubMed and Web of Science databases with no restrictions. Combined odds ratio (OR) and 95 % confidence interval (CI) were used to assess the strength of the association between RASSF1A promoter methylation and gastric cancer risk. A chi-square-based Q test and sensitivity analyses were performed to test the between-study heterogeneity and the contributions of single studies to the final results, respectively. Funnel plots were carried out to evaluate publication bias. Overall, a significant association was observed between RASSF1A promoter methylation and gastric cancer risk (OR, 12.67; 95 % CI, 8.12-19.78; p < 0.001) with no between-study heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses further revealed that gastric cancer risk was increased for individuals carrying the methylated RASSF1A compared with those with unmethylated RASSF1A. In addition, no publication bias was detected in the overall and subgroup analyses. This study identified a strong association between RASSF1A promoter methylation and risk of gastric cancer and highlighted a promising potential for RASSF1A promoter methylation in gastric cancer risk prediction.