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


Gold Member
Serological Pipets
INTEGRA Serological Pipets
Portable Electronic Pipette
Mini 96
New
Clinical Chemistry System
P780
New
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 research points to protecting blood during radiation therapy (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Pioneering Model Measures Radiation Exposure in Blood for Precise Cancer Treatments

Scientists have long focused on protecting organs near tumors during radiotherapy, but blood — a vital, circulating tissue — has largely been excluded from dose calculations. Each blood cell passing through... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: The VENTANA HER2 (4B5) test is now CE-IVDR approved (Photo courtesy of Roche)

Companion Diagnostic Test Identifies HER2-Ultralow Breast Cancer and Biliary Tract Cancer Patients

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Europe, with more than 564,000 new cases and 145,000 deaths annually. Metastatic breast cancer is rising in younger populations and remains the leading cause... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: An adult fibrosarcoma case report has shown the importance of early diagnosis and targeted therapy (Photo courtesy of Sultana and Sailaja/Oncoscience)

Accurate Pathological Analysis Improves Treatment Outcomes for Adult Fibrosarcoma

Adult fibrosarcoma is a rare and highly aggressive malignancy that develops in connective tissue and often affects the limbs, trunk, or head and neck region. Diagnosis is complex because tumors can mimic... Read more

Technology

view channel
Image: Conceptual design of the CORAL capsule for microbial sampling in the small intestine (H. Mohammed et al., Device (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.device.2025.100904)

Coral-Inspired Capsule Samples Hidden Bacteria from Small Intestine

The gut microbiome has been linked to conditions ranging from immune disorders to mental health, yet conventional stool tests often fail to capture bacterial populations in the small intestine.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.