Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Small nucleolar RNA host gene 22 (SNHG22) is a novel long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that functions as an oncogene and promotes the progression of various cancers. This pooled analysis aimed to clarify the prognostic role of SNHG22 in solid tumors and to explore its correlation with disease characteristics. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search in databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar for relevant articles published until January 8, 2025. We combined individual data to estimate the overall hazard ratio (HR) for cancer prognosis. Additionally, We assessed the relationships between SNHG22 expression levels and patient characteristics using the odds ratio (OR). RESULTS: Nine studies involving 779 patients participated in the analysis. Patients with SNHG22 overexpression exhibited poorer overall survival (HR=2.44, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.98-3.01, I2=0%) and recurrence-free survival (HR=2.60, 95%CI: 1.69-4.00, I2=0%) compared to those with lower levels. Furthermore, higher SNHG22 expression was significantly associated with larger tumor size (OR=2.65, 95%CI: 1.13-6.22), lymph node metastasis (OR=2.12, 95%CI: 1.16-3.86), and advanced disease stages (OR=2.54, 95%CI: 1.73-3.72). CONCLUSION: The upregulation of SNHG22 is associated with shorter survival outcomes, increased tumor size, lymph node metastases, and more advanced tumor stages.