Prognostic value of CRTC1‐MAML2 translocation in salivary mucoepidermoid carcinoma: Systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract The presence of the CRTC1‐MAML2 translocation has been described in mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) as a predictor of better survival rates. However, the real prognostic value of the translocation has been debated due to recent controversial findings. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review to understand the prognostic potential of the CRTC1‐MAML2 translocation in MEC. An electronic search was carried out using the MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus databases. Articles that assessed the association between the CRTC1‐MAML2 translocation and survival of MEC patients were selected for the systematic review. Ten published articles were included in the qualitative synthesis. The prevalence of the translocation varied from 33.7% to 69.7%. Seven studies observed a significant association between the presence of the CRTC1‐MAML2 translocation and a favourable clinical outcome, which could improve disease‐free, disease‐specific or overall survival. Five studies were included in the quantitative synthesis. Fixed‐effects model confirmed that translocation‐positive patients have a decreased risk of death (combined odds ratio 0.08, 95% confidence interval – 0.03‐0.23, P < .00001). The detection of the CRTC1‐MAML2 translocation appears to be useful as a prognostic factor in MEC. However, the level of evidence is not as high as it could be once important limitations were found in the published studies.