A meta-analysis of circulating microRNAs in the diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Background: Aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the overall diagnostic value of circulating mini miRNAs for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and to find the possible molecular marker with higher diagnostic value for PTC.

Methods: We searched the Pubmed, Cochrane and Embase database until June 2020. We selected relevant literatures associated with the diagnosis of PTC with circulating miRNAs. The number of cases in experimental group and the control group, sensitivity and specificity could be extracted from the literatures.

Results: We got 9 literatures including 2114 cases of PTC. Comprehensive sensitivity was 0.79, comprehensive specificity was 0.82, positive likelihood ratio was 4.3, negative likelihood ratio was 0.26, diagnostic advantage ratio was 16. The summary receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn and the Area Under the Curve was 0.87.

Conclusions: Circulating microRNAs may be promising molecular markers for the diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma. Combined detection of certain serum microRNAs can improve the diagnostic accuracy of papillary thyroid carcinoma. Especially MiR-222 and miR-146b may be prime candidates for the diagnosis of PTC in Asian population.