The random effects model was applied and a subgroup analysis was conducted due to significant heterogeneity (I2= 87, P<0.0001), an obvious association between the high expression of SNHG15 and distant lymph node metastasis was revealed in digestive system cancers (HR = 2.98, 95% CI, 1.98–4.49; P<0.00001), respiratory system cancers (HR = 3.39, 95% CI, 1.66–6.93; P=0.0008), female reproductive system cancers (HR = 4.41, 95% CI, 1.22–16.0; P=0.02). This evidence concerns the gene SNHG15 and respiratory system cancer.