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Published on: October 4, 2019
Brain tumors and circulating micrornas: a systematic review and diagnostic meta-analysis
Amir Hossein Aalami1, Hossein Abdeahad2, Ali Shoghi3
1Department of Biology, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran.
Purpose:
Brain tumors (BT) are among the most prevalent cancers in recent years. Various studies have examined the diagnostic role of microRNAs in different diseases; however, their diagnostic role in BT has not been comprehensively investigated. This meta-analysis was performed to assess microRNAs in the blood of patients with BTs accurately.
Methods:
Twenty-six eligible studies were included for analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), area under curve (AUC), Q*index, summary receiver-operating characteristic (SROC) were assessed using the Meta-Disc V.1.4 and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis V.3.3 software.
Results:
The diagnostic accuracy of microRNA was high in identifying BT based on the pooled sensitivity 0.82 (95%CI: 0.816-0.84), specificity 0.82 (95%CI: 0.817-0.84), PLR 5.101 (95%CI: 3.99-6.51), NLR 0.187 (95%CI: 0.149-0.236), DOR 34.07 (95%CI: 22.56-51.43) as well as AUC (0.92), and Q*-index (0.86). Subgroup analyses were performed for sample types (serum/plasma), reference genes (RNU6, miR-39, and miR-24), and region to determine the diagnostic power of microRNAs in the diagnosis of BT using pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, AUC, and DOR.
Conclusion:
This meta-analysis suggested that circulating microRNAs might be potential markers for noninvasive early detection of BT.
Insights
Circulating microRNAs show promise as noninvasive biomarkers for early brain tumor (BT) detection. This meta-analysis confirms their high diagnostic accuracy in identifying BTs from blood samples.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Biomarker Research
Background:
- Brain tumors (BT) represent a significant global health challenge.
- MicroRNAs are increasingly recognized for their diagnostic potential across various diseases.
- The diagnostic utility of microRNAs specifically for BTs requires comprehensive evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To accurately assess the diagnostic role of circulating microRNAs in patients with brain tumors.
- To consolidate evidence from multiple studies on microRNA-based BT detection.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis was conducted on 26 eligible studies.
- Key diagnostic accuracy metrics including sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), area under the curve (AUC), and Q*-index were calculated.
- Meta-Disc V.1.4 and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis V.3.3 software were utilized for analysis.
Main Results:
- High diagnostic accuracy was observed for microRNAs in BT detection.
- Pooled sensitivity was 0.82, specificity was 0.82, DOR was 34.07, and AUC was 0.92.
- Subgroup analyses explored variations based on sample type, reference genes, and geographic region.
Conclusions:
- Circulating microRNAs demonstrate potential as noninvasive biomarkers for early brain tumor detection.
- Further research may validate these findings for clinical application in BT diagnostics.
