Diagnostic performance of microRNAs expression in prostate cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been proposed as ideal diagnostic indicators of prostate cancer (CaP). However, previous studies have reported conflicting results. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to assess the potential diagnostic value of miRNAs for CaP. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and other databases. Results from different studies were pooled using random effects models. The pooled sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), positive and negative likelihood ratios (PLR and NLR, respectively), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated to evaluate the overall test performance. Between-study heterogeneity was tested using the chi-squared test and the I (2) test. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were performed to explore the potential sources of heterogeneity. Fifty-eight studies from ten articles, including 669 patients with CaP and 404 controls composed of healthy individuals and patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled SEN and SPE were 0.74 (95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.70-0.78) and 0.73 (95 % CI 0.70-0.76), respectively. The pooled PLR was 2.7 (95 % CI 2.4-3.1); NLR was 0.35 (95 % CI 0.30-0.42); and DOR was 8 (95 % CI 6-10). The pooled AUC was 0.79 (95 % CI 0.76-0.83). Subgroup analyses indicated that multiple miRNAs yielded a better diagnostic accuracy. This systematic review suggests that miRNA analysis can significantly improve the overall accuracy of CaP diagnosis. Moreover, using multiple miRNA-based assays could achieve significantly higher accuracy in diagnosing CaP than single miRNA-based assays.