Urine miRNA as a potential biomarker for bladder cancer detection – a meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION: White light cystoscopy (WLC), often supported by urine cytology, is considered the ‘goldstandard’ in the diagnosis and follow-up of bladder cancer (BCa). In recent years, urine microRNA (miRNA) tests have been performed for the detection of bladder cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review of the PubMed platform was performed by searching for articles in which miRNA in the urine was used for the detection of BCa. RESULTS: The greatest sensitivity (86.6%) in BCa detection was achieved for multi-miRNA in urine sediment. The greatest specificity (85.3%) was achieved for multi-miRNA from voided urine. There were significant differences (p <0.01) between single-miRNA (OR 8.96; CI 6.37–12.59) and the multi-miRNA group (OR 19.95; CI 13.35–29.81). There were no differences among the specimens (voided urine, supernatant, sediment) used for the test. CONCLUSIONS: Urine miRNAs have the potential to be a valid marker for bladder cancer detection. They can successfully compete with other non-invasive diagnostic tests.