A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Volatile Organic Compound Analysis in the Detection of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancers.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Hepatobiliary cancers are notoriously difficult to detect, frequently leading to diagnosis in later stages of disease when curative treatment is not an option. The currently used biomarkers such as AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) and CA19.9 lack sensitivity and specificity. Hence, there is an unmet need for an alternative biomarker.

Aim

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for the detection of hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers.

Methods

A systematic review of VOCs' use in the detection of hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers was performed. A meta-analysis was performed using the software R. Heterogeneity was explored through meta-regression analysis.

Results

A total of 18 studies looking at 2296 patients were evaluated.

SUBMITTER: Pelling M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10136496 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature