Serum cross-linked N-telopeptide of type I collagen for the diagnosis of bone metastases from solid tumours in the Chinese population: Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE: A meta-analysis to determine the diagnostic value of serum cross-linked N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTx) for bone metastasis from solid tumours in the Chinese population. METHODS: Eligible case–control studies published up until 22 September 2014 were identified by searching the electronic literature databases PubMed®, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang using the keyword ‘NTx’ in combination with ‘cancer’. A meta-analysis of the diagnostic value of serum NTx for bone metastasis from solid tumours was undertaken. RESULTS: The meta-analysis included 14 studies (1279 patients: 668 with bone metastasis; 611 controls without bone metastasis). There was a significant relationship between serum NTx concentration and bone metastasis from solid tumours in the Chinese population (odds ratio 1.39, 95% confidence intervals 1.26, 1.51). Significant heterogeneity was found in this study, but no publication bias was observed. CONCLUSION: Serum NTx concentration may play an important role in the diagnosis of bone metastasis from solid tumours in the Chinese population.