The value of folate receptor-positive circulating tumour cells as a diagnostic biomarker for lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #neoplastic-cells-circulating #lung-neoplasms #area-under-curve #biomarkers-tumor

The value of folate receptor-positive circulating tumour cells as a diagnostic biomarker for lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Chen et al., 2023 | J Int Med Res | Meta Analysis

Citation

Chen Fangjun, Ni Yihong, ... Qiang Guangliang. The value of folate receptor-positive circulating tumour cells as a diagnostic biomarker for lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Int Med Res. 2023-Sep;51(9):3000605231199763. doi:10.1177/03000605231199763

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the diagnostic value of folate receptor-positive (FR+) circulating tumour cells (CTCs) as a potential tumour marker for lung cancer diagnosis. METHODS: The PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant articles published between database inception and November 2022. Eligible studies were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, diagnostic odds ratio, and area under the curve (AUC) were pooled with 95% confidence intervals (CI), using RevMan 5.4 and STATA 17.0 software to assess the diagnostic value of FR+CTC for lung cancer. RESULTS: After screening, 11 studies involving 3469 subjects were eligible for inclusion. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.79 (95% CI 0.76, 0.82) and 0.84 (95% CI 0.81, 0.96), respectively, and the pooled positive and negative likelihood ratios were 4.90 (95% CI 4.25, 5.65) and 0.25 (95% CI 0.22, 0.29), respectively. The pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 19.70 (95% CI 16.06, 24.16). The AUC of the pooled summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.89 (95% CI 0.85, 0.91). Sensitivity analysis showed that this result was stable after one-by-one study elimination. CONCLUSION: Folate receptor-positive CTCs may have good diagnostic value in lung cancer.

Key Findings

After screening, 11 studies involving 3469 subjects were eligible for inclusion. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.79 (95% CI 0.76, 0.82) and 0.84 (95% CI 0.81, 0.96), respectively, and the pooled positive and negative likelihood ratios were 4.90 (95% CI 4.25, 5.65) and 0.25 (95% CI 0.22, 0.29), respectively. The pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 19.70 (95% CI 16.06, 24.16). The AUC of the pooled summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.89 (95% CI 0.85, 0.91). Sensitivity

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 3469
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Neoplastic Cells, Circulating
  • Lung Neoplasms
  • Area Under Curve
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Folic Acid

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: folate

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09