Diagnostic Biomarkers in Cerebrospinal Fluid in Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma: A Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

BackgroundPrimary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a highly aggressive non-hodgkin’s lymphoma with unfavorable prognosis. Currently, the diagnosis of PCNSL relies on brain excisional biopsy, which is an invasive procedure, carries the risk of complications such as intracranial hemorrhage and functional impairment. Finding effective biomarkers will help us to diagnose PCNSL faster and safer.MethodsThis systematic review will be conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocol (PRISMA-P) 2015 guideline.We will search databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Medline, Web of Science, EMBASE and CNKI. The studies that demonstrated the diagnostic value of certain biomarkers in CSF for PCNSL will be included. For quantitative value, the standardized mean diffenence (SMD) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) will be calculated. The outcomes are the mean difference of biomarker levels in CSF between PCNSL patients and controls.DiscussionIn this systematic review we will analyze the studies of the biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid for diagnosis of PCNSL. This research can help us to identify the biomarkers with diagnostic value for PCNSL, making diagnosis of PCNSL easier, faster and safer.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42020218143.