Abstract
BackgroundAlthough increasing numbers of methylated genes have been identified as biomarkers for endometrial cancer, the results have been inconsistent. We therefore carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of methylated genes as markers for sporadic endometrial cancer.ResultsA total of 22 studies including 1930 participants (sporadic endometrial cancer patients and normal individuals) met our eligibility criteria. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.93 (95% confidence interval: 0.91−0.94) and 0.48 (95% confidence interval: 0.46–0.50), respectively. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.8834. The presence of DNA methylation was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis of endometrial cancer (pooled odds ratio: 0.28, 95% confidence interval: 0.15–0.52, p < 0.001).Materials and MethodsWe searched the relevant literature systematically using the PubMed and Web of Science databases up to April 2017. Diagnostic accuracy variables were pooled and analyzed using Meta-DiSc software. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias were evaluated using Review Manager.ConclusionsThis meta-analysis suggests that the detection of DNA methylation is associated with lymph node metastasis, with high sensitivity but relatively low specificity for the diagnosis of sporadic endometrial cancer.
Highlights
Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the three main tumors originating in the female genital system
The presence of DNA methylation was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis of endometrial cancer
Sensitivity analysis and publication bias were evaluated using Review Manager. This meta-analysis suggests that the detection of DNA methylation is associated with lymph node metastasis, with high sensitivity but relatively low specificity for the diagnosis of sporadic endometrial cancer
Summary
Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the three main tumors originating in the female genital system. Abnormal genetic and epigenetic alterations have been widely recognized as being associated with EC [5, 6]. Diagnostic markers based on gene methylation have recently been developed and have shown considerable promise for the detection of EC, while aberrant promoter methylation has been found www.impactjournals.com/oncotarget to be an early and widespread alteration in endometrial tumorigenesis [9]. Specific gene methylation patterns have been widely used for the diagnosis of many different cancers, including EC, there is currently a lack of effective diagnostic biomarkers for EC, and novel, accurate markers are urgently needed. Increasing numbers of methylated genes have been identified as biomarkers for endometrial cancer, the results have been inconsistent. We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of methylated genes as markers for sporadic endometrial cancer
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
