p16INK4a methylation in serum as a follow-up marker for recurrence of colorectal cancer.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

p16(INK4a) methylation present in the tumors of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients can be detected in their serum using quantitative methylation-specific PCR (Q-MSP). To investigate the possibility that this technique could be applied to the monitoring for cancer recurrence in CRC patients, p16(INK4a) methylation in the serum of CRC patients during their follow-up period was evaluated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Using Q-MSP on serum samples from 21 CRC patients undergoing surgery for primary CRC, the p16INK4a methylation score (p16(INK4a) MS) was evaluated one day before surgery and during the follow-up period.

RESULTS:

In the serum samples collected before primary resection, p16(INK4a) methylation was detected in 8 out of the 13 patients with same methylation in the tumor. The p16(INK4a) MS decreased within 2 weeks after surgery. Only two patients, who had the potential for recurrence, exhibited p16(INK4a) methylation in their serum. One month after surgery, in the patients with recurrence of tumor, a dramatic increase in p16(INK4a) MS was observed, while in the disease-free patients no methylation was seen continuously.

CONCLUSION:

p16(INK4a) MS could sensitively reflect the recurrence status and may be useful for identifying the presence of recurrence during the follow-up of CRC patients.

• Authors: Goro Nakayama, Yasuhiro Kodera, Norifumi Ohashi, Masahiko Koike, Michitaka Fujiwara, Akimasa Nakao
• Journal: Anticancer research (Anticancer Res) Vol. 31 Issue 5 Pg. 1643-6 (May 2011) ISSN: 1791-7530 [Electronic] Greece
• PMID: 21617221 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Biomarkers, Tumor
• Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16
• DNA, Neoplasm

Topics

• Aged
• Biomarkers, Tumor (blood, genetics)
• Case-Control Studies
• Colorectal Neoplasms (blood, genetics, pathology, surgery)
• Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16 (blood, genetics)
• DNA Methylation
• DNA, Neoplasm (genetics)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Lymphatic Metastasis
• Male
• Neoplasm Recurrence, Local (blood, diagnosis, genetics, surgery)
• Polymerase Chain Reaction
• Prognosis
• Promoter Regions, Genetic