Methylation changes in faecal DNA: a marker for colorectal cancer screening?

doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(04)16002-9

The Lancet

Volume 363, Issue 9417, 17 April 2004, Pages 1283-1285

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(04)16002-9 Get rights and content

Summary

DNA methylation is a common molecular alteration in colorectal cancer cells. We report an assessment of faecal DNA from patients with colorectal cancer and controls to determine the feasibility, sensitivity, and specificity of this approach. By use of MethyLight analysis of faecal DNA from three independent sets of patients, we identified SFRP2 methylation as a sensitive single DNA-based marker for identification of colorectal cancer in stool samples (sensitivity 90% [CI 56–100] and specificity 77% [46–95] in the training set [n=23]; sensitivity 77% [46–95] and specificity 77% [46–95] in an independent test set [n=26]). Whether a combination of genetic and epigenetic markers will identify colorectal cancer at an early stage remains to be shown.

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DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism regulating gene expression. Changes in DNA methylation were suggested to be useful biomarkers for diagnosis, and for the determination of prognosis and treatment response. Here, we provide an overview of methylation-based biomarkers in colorectal cancer.
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Fast track — Research LettersMethylation changes in faecal DNA: a marker for colorectal cancer screening?

Summary

Clin Colorectal Cancer

Lancet

The case for early detection

Nat Rev Cancer

Fast track — Research Letters
Methylation changes in faecal DNA: a marker for colorectal cancer screening?