PURPOSE: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor. This meta-analysis investigates the association between HOTAIR expression levels and GBM. METHODS: We searched the literature for studies on HOTAIR expression in GBM patients. A meta-analysis of nine studies assessed standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed based on sample source, country, and study design. Additionally, we conducted meta-regression and publication bias analyses. RESULTS: The meta-analysis found a significant positive association between elevated HOTAIR expression and GBM (SMD = 8.3, 95% CI 5.8-10.8, CONCLUSION: This analysis confirms the significant link between HOTAIR expression and GBM, highlighting HOTAIR as a potential therapeutic target and biomarker. Further research is necessary to clarify the biological mechanisms involved in this association.