A Meta Analysis of β-Tubulin Ⅲ and Chemosensitivity to Anti-Microtubule Agents in Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Objective The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between expression of β-tubulin Ⅲ and chemosensitivity to anti-microtubule agents in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer （NSCLC）. Methods The method of meta-analysis was applied to analyze the data reported in relevant literatures. Results Five English and three Chinese settings with 457 patients were selected. In the subgroup receiving Taxane, the numbers of patients with low-expression were 112, and the response rate was 50.9%. Patients with high expression were 101, and the response rate was 18.8%. The combined odds ratio（OR） was 4.75, with 95% confidence interval of 2.53~8.92, P<0.000 01. In the subgroup receiving vinorelbine, the numbers of low-expression were 89, and the response rate was 39.3%. Patients with high expression were 102, and the response rate was 26.5%. The combined OR was 1.75 with 95% confidence interval of 0.95~3.22, P=0.07. In the subgroup randomly receiving taxane or vinorelbine, the numbers of low-expression were 22, the response rate was 54.5%. Patients with high expression were 31, and the response rate was 29%. The OR was 2.93 with 95% confidence interval of 0.94~9.20, P=0.06. Conclusion A high level of β-tubulinⅢis associated with resistance to anti-microtubule agents especially taxane in advanced NSCLC patients, This finding can provide information critical to personalized chemotherapy.