Diagnostic accuracy of circulating-free DNA for the determination of MYCN amplification status in advanced-stage neuroblastoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background MYCN amplification (MNA) is the strongest indicator of poor prognosis in neuroblastoma (NB). This meta-analysis aims to determine the diagnostic accuracy of MNA analysis in circulating-free DNA (cfDNA) from advanced-stage NB patients. Methods A systematic review of electronic databases was conducted to identify studies exploring the detection of MNA in plasma/serum cfDNA from NB patients at diagnosis using PCR methodology. Pooled estimates for sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were calculated by conducting a bivariate/HSROC random-effects meta-analysis. Results Seven studies, with a total of 529 advanced-stage patients, were eligible. The pooled sensitivity of cfDNA-based MNA analysis was 0.908 (95% CI, 0.818-0.956), the pooled specificity was 0.976 (0.940-0.991) and the DOR was 410.0 (-103.6 to 923.7). Sub-grouped by INSS stage, the sensitivity for stage 3 and 4 patients was 0.832 (0.677-0.921) and 0.930 (0.834-0.972), respectively. The specificity was 0.999 (0.109-1.000) and 0.974 (0.937-0.990), respectively, and the DOR was 7855.2 (-66267.0 to 81977.4) and 508.7 (-85.8 to 1103.2), respectively. Conclusions MNA analysis in cfDNA using PCR methodology represents a non-invasive approach to rapidly and accurately determine MNA status in patients with advanced-stage NB. Standardised methodology must be developed before this diagnostic test can enter the clinic.