Long non‐coding RNA as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in melanoma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Recently, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been applied as biomarkers for melanoma patients. In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we investigated the diagnostic and prognostic value of lncRNAs. We used the keywords ‘lncRNA’ and ‘melanoma’ to search databases for studies published before June 14th, 2023. The specificity, sensitivity and AUC were utilized to assess diagnostic accuracy and the prognostic value was assessed using overall survival, progression‐free survival and disease‐free survival hazard ratios. After screening 1191 articles, we included seven studies in the diagnostic evaluation section and 17 studies in the prognosis evaluation section. The Reitsma bivariate model estimated a cumulative sensitivity of 0.724 (95% CI: 0.659–0.781, p < 0.001) and specificity of 0.812 (95% CI: 0.752–0.859, p < 0.001). The pooled AUC was 0.780 (95% CI: 0.749–0.811, p < 0.0001). The HR for overall survival was 2.723 (95% CI: 2.259–3.283, p < 0.0001). Two studies reported an HR for overall survival less than one, with an HR of 0.348 (95% CI: 0.200–0.607, p < 0.0002). The HR for progression‐free survival was 2.913 (95% CI: 2.050–4.138, p < 0.0001). Four studies reported an HR less than one, with an HR of 0.457 (95% CI: 0.256–0.817). The HR for disease‐free survival was 2.760 (95% CI: 2.009–3.792, p < 0.0001). In conclusion, the expression of lncRNAs in melanoma patients affects survival and prognosis. LncRNAs can also be employed as diagnostic biomarkers.

Risk Factors and Innovations in Risk Assessment for Melanoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma, and Squamous Cell Carcinoma

“…Certain ncRNAs can serve as biomarkers for cancer as their expression correlates with specific cancer types or disease progression [ 151 ]. Evidence has demonstrated that ncRNAs play crucial roles for the early diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of melanoma [ 152 , 153 ]. A recent meta-analysis found a combined sensitivity of long ncRNAs in diagnosing melanoma to be 72.4%, with a pooled specificity of 81.2% and an overall area under the curve (AUC) of 0.837.…”

“…A recent meta-analysis found a combined sensitivity of long ncRNAs in diagnosing melanoma to be 72.4%, with a pooled specificity of 81.2% and an overall area under the curve (AUC) of 0.837. For prognostic approaches, the HR for overall survival, progression-free survival, and disease-free survival were 2.723 (95% CI: 2.259–3.283), 2.913 (95% CI: 2.050–4.138), and 2.760 (95% CI: 2.009–3.792), respectively [ 153 ]. These findings indicate that ncRNAs could serve as innovative diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, potentially enhancing patient management in the future.…”