Prognostic Value of BRAF V600E Mutation in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis of Nodal Involvement, Distant Metastases, Recurrence, and Mortality
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the prognostic value of the B-type Raf kinase (BRAF) V600E mutation in papillary thyroid carcinoma.
Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science up to August 31, 2025 identified 46 eligible studies including 20,570 patients, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies version 2 quality assessment. Random-effects models were applied to evaluate associations between BRAF status and major oncological outcomes.
Results: BRAF V600E mutation was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis (odds ratios [OR] = 1.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17-1.61) and showed a borderline association with recurrence risk (OR = 1.56; 95% CI, 1.00-2.41). In contrast, no significant associations were observed for distant metastases (OR = 0.75; 95% CI, 0.48-1.17) or cancer-related mortality (OR = 0.97; 95% CI, 0.64-1.49). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of all pooled estimates. Meta-regressions revealed an inverse relationship between BRAF mutation prevalence and its prognostic impact, suggesting that the higher the mutation prevalence in a population, the lower its discriminative prognostic power. Funnel plot inspection and Egger's tests indicated no major publication bias.
Conclusion: Overall, these findings confirm that BRAF V600E mutation is associated with an increased risk of nodal metastasis and recurrence in…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 20,570 participants or records.
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