Abstract
Aberrant hypermethylation of promoter regions in specific genes is a key event in
the formation and progression of cancer. In at least some situations, these aberrant
alterations occur early in the formation of malignancy and appear to be tumour specific.
Multiple reports have suggested that measurement of the methylation status of the
promoter regions of specific genes can aid early detection of cancer, determine prognosis
and predict therapy responses. Promising DNA methylation biomarkers include the use
of methylated GSTP1 for aiding the early diagnosis of prostate cancer, methylated PITX2 for predicting outcome in lymph node-negative breast cancer patients and methylated
MGMT in predicting benefit from alkylating agents in patients with glioblastomas. However,
prior to clinical utilisation, these findings require validation in prospective clinical
studies. Furthermore, assays for measuring gene methylation need to be standardised,
simplified and evaluated in external quality assurance programmes. It is concluded
that methylated genes have the potential to provide a new generation of cancer biomarkers.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 12, 2009
Accepted:
December 12,
2008
Received in revised form:
December 5,
2008
Received:
October 1,
2008
Identification
Copyright
© 2008 Elsevier Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
