Liquid biopsy in genitourinary cancers: Diagnostic and prognostic implications

Figure 1 Diagnostic accuracy of liquid biopsy analytes in genitourinary malignancies. The error bars represent the 95% confidence intervals. To note, all values and 95% confidence interval are derived from the latest meta-analyses looking at these diagnostic markers. No meta-analysis looked at circulating tumor cells for diagnosis in prostate cancer. The bars without error values in positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio were derived from sensitivity and specificity values. This error bar plot outlines the variation seen in the diagnostic accuracy of the different liquid biopsy analytes, showcasing the limitations in screening and diagnosing genitourinary cancers. It also highlights that these analytes are overall more specific than sensitive. Finally, the error bars demonstrate the variability and lack of standardization of the liquid biopsy modalities, stressing the need for internationally regulated protocols.