Circulating microRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers for melanoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background Recent studies have shown that circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) can be used as diagnostic biomarkers for melanoma. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of circulating miRNAs for melanoma. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted and the quality of the included literature was evaluated using QUADAS-2 (Quality Assessment for diagnostic accuracy studies), and the diagnostic accuracy was assessed by pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the curve (AUC). We used Deeks’ funnel plot to evaluate publication bias. Results The meta-analysis included 10 articles covering 16 studies, and the results showed that circulating miRNAs provide high diagnostic accuracy for melanoma. The overall pooled sensitivity was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.82–0.91), specificity was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.77–0.85), PLR was 4.6 (95% CI: 3.7–5.8), NLR was 0.16 (95% CI: 0.11–0.23), DOR was 29 (95% CI: 18–49), and AUC was 0.90 (95% CI: 0.87–0.92), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed better diagnostic value in miRNA clusters, European population, plasma miRNAs, and upregulated miRNAs compared to other subgroups. Conclusions The results indicated that circulating microRNAs can be used as a non-invasive biomarker for the diagnosis of melanoma.

Circulating microRNAs as promising diagnostic biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Subgroup analysis indicated that plasma-derived miRNAs exhibited better diagnostic performance (AUC: 0.92) for HCC compared to serum-derived miRNAs (AUC: 0.87). Our findings align with those reported in a meta-analysis conducted by Wu et al ( Wu et al, 2023 ). Differences in miRNA concentration between serum and plasma can be attributed to various factors, including platelet contamination along with red and white blood cells ( Wang et al, 2012 ), hemolysis ( Kirschner et al, 2011 ), and the presence of qPCR inhibitors ( Kaudewitz et al, 2013 ).…”

Diagnostic accuracy of circulating miRNAs to discriminate hepatocellular carcinoma from liver cirrhosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Additionally, the subgroup analysis by miRNAs expression, upregulated miRNAs had favorable diagnostic efficacy compared to downregulated miRNAs in differentiating HCC from LC, with an AUC of 0.89. The result is in line with other meta-analyses ( 57 , 58 ). This may be attributed to their heightened sensitivity as markers of abnormal cell growth and proliferation.…”

“…The pooled AUC was 0.94. The finding is supported by a meta-analysis conducted by Wu et al (57). The discrepancy in overall diagnostic accuracy observed between studies may stem from a combination of genetic, environmental, and disease-related factors.…”

Identification of combinatorial miRNA panels derived from extracellular vesicles as biomarkers for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

“…In addition, numerous studies have demonstrated that the combination of multiple miRNAs can achieve higher diagnostic efficacy than single miRNAs in tumor patients. 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 Therefore, we combined four plasma EVs‐derived miRNA for the diagnosis of ESCC, and the combination model showed optimum diagnostic capabilities for the detection of ESCC (AUC = 0.834), which was higher than that of total plasma miRNA panels (Figure 5D and Table S9 ). Thus, combining plasma EV‐derived miR‐636, miR‐7641, miR‐1246, and miR‐28‐3p model had better diagnostic efficiency for ESCC.…”