We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us

Download Mobile App




Methylome Analysis for Noninvasive Prostate Cancer Monitoring

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 19 Mar 2020
Researchers have demonstrated the potential of methylation analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) for the noninvasive diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Tumor DNA circulates in the blood of cancer patients together with DNA from noncancerous cells. More...
The genomic landscape of this plasma DNA has been characterized in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), but the plasma methylome has not been extensively explored. The methylone is the set of nucleic acid methylation modifications in an organism's genome or in a particular cell.

To examine the possibility of using the methylone of ctDNA to diagnose prostate cancer, investigators at University College London (United Kingdom) performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) on plasma DNA with and without bisulfite treatment from mCRPC patients receiving chemotherapeutic treatment with either abiraterone or enzalutamide.

After identifying thousands of methylation variants specific to the prostate gland in blood samples from men with prostate cancer, the investigators condensed these changes into a signature for tracking prostate genetic material in the blood to monitor cancer activity.

Ultimately, the investigators focused on an orthogonal methylation signature, which revealed enrichment for androgen receptor binding sequences. Individuals harboring this methylation pattern had a more aggressive clinical course. Plasma methylome analysis was able to accurately quantitate tumor fractions and identify distinct biologically relevant mCRPC phenotypes.

Senior author, Dr. Gerhardt Attard, professor of urological cancer research at University College London, said, "We are now testing our new technique in trial patients to see if it can complement or substitute the traditional serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) for diagnosis, risk assignment, and monitoring how well a treatment is working. We believe the increased sensitivity and additional information we derive, will significantly improve the outcomes of men with advanced prostate cancer."

The study was published in the March 9, 2020, online edition of The Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Related Links:
University College London


New
Gold Member
Hybrid Pipette
SWITCH
Collection and Transport System
PurSafe Plus®
Sample Transportation System
Tempus1800 Necto
Capillary Blood Collection Tube
IMPROMINI M3
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: New evidence shows viscoelastic testing can improve assessment of blood clotting during postpartum hemorrhage (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Viscoelastic Testing Could Improve Treatment of Maternal Hemorrhage

Postpartum hemorrhage, severe bleeding after childbirth, remains one of the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide, yet many of these deaths are preventable. Standard care can be hindered by delays... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: The CloneSeq-SV approach can allow researchers to study how cells within high-grade serous ovarian cancer change over time (Photo courtesy of MSK)

Blood Test Tracks Treatment Resistance in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is often diagnosed at an advanced stage because it spreads microscopically throughout the abdomen, and although initial surgery and chemotherapy can work, most... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image: The collaboration aims to improve access to Hb variant testing with the Gazelle POC diagnostic platform (Photo courtesy of Hemex Health)

Terumo BCT and Hemex Health Collaborate to Improve Access to Testing for Hemoglobin Disorders

Millions of people worldwide living with sickle cell disease and other hemoglobin disorders experience delayed diagnosis and limited access to effective care, particularly in regions where testing is scarce.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.