Salivary MicroRNAs as Potential Noninvasive Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: Protocol for a Scoping Review

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the fourth-most-prevalent cancer in both Indonesia and Asia. Globally, an estimated 133,354 cases and 80,008 deaths were attributed to NPC in 2020. Early diagnosis plays a key role in managing NPC. Molecules found in bodily fluids, such as saliva, contain compounds (including microRNAs miRNAs) that can aid in detecting diseases like NPC. More studies on the expression, role, use, and accuracy of salivary miRNAs as potential diagnostic biomarkers of NPC are needed. Objective: This protocol provides a framework for conducting a scoping review aimed at mapping the expression, role, use, and diagnostic accuracy of specific salivary miRNAs as potential diagnostic biomarkers of NPC. Methods: The guidelines established by the JBI will be followed, which include defining the research questions, identifying relevant studies, and selecting studies based on titles and abstracts. The process will involve charting the data; collating, summarizing, and reporting the findings; and consultation. The synthesis will specifically examine the expression, role, use and accuracy of salivary miRNAs as potential diagnostic biomarkers of NPC. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses will be performed. Results: The selection of studies based on keywords was completed in August 2024, and the study screening and review processes were finished by November 2024. The drafting of the scoping review manuscript is currently underway. The development of this scoping review protocol was supported by funding from the Centre for Higher Education Funding and the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education. Conclusions: The findings of this study will offer a comprehensive overview of the expression, role, use, and diagnostic accuracy of salivary miRNAs as potential diagnostic biomarkers of NPC. The findings of this review are expected to serve as a basis for further research. ©Anton Sony Wibowo, Sagung Rai Indrasari, Camelia Herdini, Dewajani Purnomosari, Sulis Ernawati.