Diagnostic value of lncRNAs as potential biomarkers for oral squamous cell carcinoma diagnosis: a meta-analysis*

Abstract

Abstract Objective Several studies have revealed the critical role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as biomarkers for diagnosing oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, the data remain inconsistent. This meta-analysis was performed to summarize the potential of lncRNAs as OSCC biomarkers. Methods We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases for literature published until December 10, 2020. Study quality was assessed using Quality Assessment for Studies of Diagnostic Accuracy-2, and sensitivity, specificity, and other measures regarding lncRNAs for OSCC diagnosis were pooled using bivariate meta-analysis models. Data analyses were performed using STATA 14.0. Results Overall, 8 studies with 981 cases and 585 controls were included in the pooled analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values were as follows: 0.76 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.65-0.84], 0.90 (95% CI, 0.82-0.95), 7.5 (95% CI, 4.20-13.40), 0.27 (95% CI, 0.18-0.39), 28 (95% CI, 13.00-58.00), 0.90 (95% CI, 0.87-0.93), respectively. Deeks’ funnel plot asymmetry test (P = 0.56) indicated no potential publication bias. Conclusion Our meta-analytical evidence suggests that lncRNAs could be employed as a potential non-invasive diagnostic tool for OSCC.