Summary
Objective. The aim of this system atic literature review and meta-analysis is to evaluate various molecular, genetic diagnostic methods, evaluat ing studies sensitivity and specificity, with vision for better differentiation between benign and malignant tumors in indeterminate thy roid cytopathology, which could lead for better treat ment or followup tactics. Methods. Study search was made according to search strategy, in clusion and exclusion criteria of the studies. Studies were searched in PubMed database, also using MeSH section. In data extraction phase, main studies characteristics, evaluation out comes were concluded, statistical analysis was performed using WINPEPI (PEPI-for-WINDOWS) metaanalysis tool.
Results. 12 studies were included in this systematic literature review and metaanalysis. Most sensitive and specific diagnostic test was genes, which take part in thyroid oncologic process development, DNA methylation level measurement – sensitivity 100% (95% confidence interval 0.8–1). After statistical analysis methods, pooled test sensitivity was 87% (95% confidence interval 0.81–0.93), specificity 90% (95% confidence interval 0.86–0.94).
Conclusion. According to the results, these days, there are sensitive and specific diagnostic methods for differentiation between malignant and benign thyroid nodules, when results fall into in determinate category, according to Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology.
