Serum lncRNA XIST has the Capacity to Serve as a Diagnostic Biomarker for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Abstract

BackgroundLncRNA XIST (X-inactive specific transcript) is involved in various tumors. In this study, we aimed to investigate the diagnostic performance of serum lncRNA XIST in NPC.MethodsSerum samples were collected from 117 NPC patients and 80 gender and age matched healthy individuals. The relative expression of serum lncRNA XIST was detected by qRT-PCR. Chi-square test was applied to evaluate the relationship between lncRNA XIST expression and clinical characteristics. ROC analysis was performed to identify the feasibility of serum XIST as a diagnostic biomarker for NPC.ResultsSerum lncRNA XIST was higher in NPC patients than that in healthy volunteers (P<0.001). Furthermore, its elevated expression showed positive link with clinical stage (P=0.013), TNM stage (P=0.024), and lymph node metastasis (P=0.003). ROC curve demonstrated that lncRNA XIST could discriminate between NPC patients and healthy individuals, with the AUC value of 0.827. The cut-off value of serum XIST for NPC diagnosis was 3.735, with the sensitivity of 75.2% and specificity of 83.7%.ConclusionLncRNA XIST as an oncogene plays promoting roles in aggressive progression of NPC. Serum lncRNA XIST may be employed as a diagnostic biomarker for NPC.