Diagnostic Value of lncRNAs as Biomarker in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Updated Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Some long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) display aberrantly high or low expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and have the potential to serve as diagnostic biomarkers. Here, we accomplished a meta-analysis based on current studies to assess the diagnostic value of lncRNAs in HCC. Eligible literatures were systematically selected from PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase (up to January 20, 2018) according to defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. QUADAS scale was applied to the quality assessment of the included studies. Statistical analysis was performed through bivariate random-effects models based on R software. Publication bias was evaluated by funnel plot and Begg's and Egger's tests. 16 articles containing 2,268 cancer patients and 2,574 controls were selected for the final meta-analysis. Random effect model was used for the meta-analysis due to significant between-study heterogeneity. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) were 0.87(0.838-0.897), 0.829(0.794-0.86), 23.085(20.575-25.901), 4.533(4.239-4.847), and 0.176(0.166-0.186), respectively. Summary receiver operating characteristic curve (SROC) was conducted to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of lncRNAs in HCC with the area under curve (AUC) of 0.915. Subgroups analysis showed that lncRNA profiling, sample size, specimen types, and ethnicity might be the sources of heterogeneity. No publication bias existed according to funnel plot symmetry and Begg's (P = 0.187) and Egger's (P = 0.477) tests. In conclusion, lncRNAs can serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers of HCC with high sensitivity and specificity. In addition, lncRNAs panel from serum and plasma has a relatively high diagnostic value for HCC patients from Asia.

Advances in the early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma

“…Indeed, in an MA performed in 2018, multiple lncRNAs have shown better diagnostic performance than single lncRNA with sensitivity of 89.8% vs. 86.2%, specificity of 88.6% vs. 80.5% and AUC of 0.94 vs. 0.902, including but not limited to the co-assessment of HULC and Linc00152, or RP11-160H22.5, XLOC_014,172, and LOC149086, or uc001ncr and AX800134. 142 Furthermore, lncRNAs may play key roles in clinical diagnosis through a large complex network involving other biomarkers (e.g. AFP).…”

Our emerging understanding of the roles of long non-coding RNAs in normal liver function, disease, and malignancy

“…Because of their tissue-specific expression, lncRNAs are being investigated as biomarkers in clinical settings [183]. In liver cancer, studies and meta-analyses to identify useful lncRNAs as biomarkers have already begun [184]. Through analysis of data generated from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) consortium, Li et al constructed mRNA-lncRNA coexpression networks.…”

Perineural invasion as a prognostic factor for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma after curative resection and a potential indication for postoperative chemotherapy: a retrospective cohort study

“…CCA is derived from bile duct epithelium and usually grows aggressively without symptoms until advanced stage. Meanwhile, unlike HCC, diagnosing CCA at an early stage and treating at an advanced stage remain challenges, eventually causing the poor prognosis of the patients with CCA [6][7][8].…”