Circular RNA PVT1 as a potential biomarker for human cancers: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Circular (circ)RNAs are essential regulators in cancer development and progression. CircPVT1, derived from exon 2 (410 nucleotides) of PVT1 gene located at 8q24, has been widely recognized as an oncogenic circRNA frequently upregulated in various human cancers. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of circPVT1 for human cancers. Methods Articles published up to July 2024 were searched across four databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases). A meta-analysis was conducted under a random effects model and the diagnostic performance was evaluated using receiver operator characteristic curve analysis. Subgroup analysis of circPVT1 in different cancer types and tissues was performed. Results Overall, 12 studies (1246 patients) were included for diagnostic outcome synthesis. The pooled sensitivity was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.77–0.88) and specificity of 0.80 (95% CI, 0.73–0.87), with an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of 0.89 (95% CI, 0.86–0.91), highlighting the robust diagnostic value of circPVT1. Multiple studies have revealed that circPVT1 functions as a micro RNA sequester to modulate downstream gene expression, affecting various malignant behaviors in cancers. Conclusion This study enhances our understanding of the role and mechanism of circPVT1 in human cancers and supports its potential as a promising diagnostic biomarker for various cancer types.