The diagnostic value of RASSF1A promoter methylation in prostate cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundRASSF1A promoter methylation is consistent with clinicopathological data and has good accuracy in distinguishing tumors. However, the diagnostic parameters vary among previous studies. A systematic review was conducted to explore the diagnostic value of RASSF1A promoter methylation in prostate cancer. MethodsA comprehensive search of the literature in the PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase and ISI Web of Science databases up to May 21, 2020 was performed. STATA software version 12.0 and Meta-disc version 1.4 were used to analyze the data. ResultsThe pooled sensitivity was 0.64 (95% CI 0.61-0.66), the pooled specificity was 0.80 (95% CI 0.77-0.83), the PLR was 3.82 (95% CI 1.96-7.44), and the NLR was 0.29 (95% CI 0.16-0.52). Furthermore, the pooled DOR of RASSF1A promoter methylation for prostate cancer was 13.08 (95% CI: 6.56-26.08). The area under the summary ROC curve was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.84-0.90). The results of the meta-regression suggested that heterogeneity was mainly derived from publication year. Fagans nomogram showed that the predictive accuracy was increased significantly by detecting RASSF1A promoter methylation for diagnosing prostate cancer. ConclusionThis meta-analysis suggests that detection of the RASSF1A promoter methylation status can be used for the diagnosis of PCa. In the future, further analyses and studies of larger sample sizes in large centers are needed to confirm our conclusion.