| Summary: | Background: Methylation of <i>DAPK</i> has been reported to play a key role in the initiation and progression of nasopharyngeal cancer. However, there are differences between the studies on it. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value of <i>DAPK</i> promoter methylation for NPC. Method: The study method involves the systematic research of eligible studies based on criteria. The frequency, odds ratios (OR), sensitivity as well as specificity with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the effect sizes. Results: A total of 13 studies, including 1048 NPC samples and 446 non-cancerous samples, were used for the meta-analysis. The overall frequencies of <i>DAPK</i> methylation were 56.94% and 9.28% in NPC samples and non-cancerous samples, respectively. The association between DAPK methylation and risk of NPC was also confirmed by calculating the OR value which was 13.13 (95%CI = 54.24–40.72) based on a random-effect model (Q = 64.74; <i>p</i> < 0.0001; I<sup>2</sup> = 81.47% with 95%CI for I<sup>2</sup> = 69.39–88.78). Additionally, the study results suggest that testing for <i>DAPK</i> methylation in tissue samples or brushing may provide a promising method for diagnosing NPC. Conclusion: This is the first meta-analysis that provided scientific evidence that methylation of the <i>DAPK</i> gene could serve as a potential biomarker for diagnosis, prognosis, and early screening of NPC patients.
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