Multi-cancer Detection Using Pattern Formation in Drying Body Fluids: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies

Abstract

Introduction: The ability to detect multiple cancer types with high sensitivity has the potential to reduce diagnostic delays and improve treatment outcomes. Diagnostic patterning tests (DPTs), which utilize self-organized patterns in drying body fluids, are a relatively unexplored diagnostic method. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed their accuracy for multi-cancer detection. Methods: Searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, eLibrary Russia, and other databases for studies evaluating DPT accuracy in cancer detection. Study quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. Data were analyzed for (i) untreated cancers, (ii) treated cancers, and (iii) precancerous conditions, with controls comprising (iv) healthy individuals and (v) non-cancer patients. Meta-analysis adhered to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Diagnostic Test Accuracy. Results: Of the 610 identified records, 41 studies involving 15,969 participants were included, encompassing 5265 cancer cases and 189 precancerous condition cases. Pooled sensitivity and specificity across all DPTs were 0.89 (95% CI, 0.83-0.93) and 0.90 (95% CI, 0.84-0.93), respectively. Copper chloride crystallization applied to blood demonstrated the highest sensitivity (0.93; 95% CI, 0.87-0.96) and specificity (0.93; 95% CI, 0.85-0.97), though differences between tests were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Despite high heterogeneity and the potential risk of bias, DPTs showed a satisfactory degree of accuracy in detecting over 50 cancer types. Further research is needed to evaluate their potential for early cancer detection.