The Role of miRNA as Diagnostic Biomarkers of NSCLC through PCR-based Serum Analysis: Systematic Review

Abstract

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is usually detected late, even with various conventional methods. Serum microRNA (miRNA) shows potential as a sensitive and specific biomarker for diagnosing NSCLC. A literature search was conducted on the PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane databases using specifickeywords. Six studies were selected that met the criteria for NSCLC patients, testing miRNA expression through PCR and comparing it with the conventional biomarker, CEA. Eight potential miRNA biomarkers were identified. MiR-21-5p demonstrated the highest sensitivity (96.7%) and specificity (95%), surpassing the performance of the conventional CEA biomarker (sensitivity 26.4%–83.8%; specificity 53.7%–93.6%). miRNA, particularly miR–21-5p, shows strong potential as a diagnostic biomarker for NSCLC. Despite variability in results across studies, data suggest that miRNA outperforms CEA. Further research is needed to optimize miRNA for clinical diagnosis.