DNA Methylation Markers for Endometrial Cancer Detection in Minimally Invasive Samples: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Aim: DNA methylation testing for endometrial cancer detection in minimally invasive specimens is a promising tool to improve screening and diagnostic procedures. Available literature was systematically reviewed to assess the potential of this approach and define methylation markers deserving further development. Methods: A systematic search up to March 31 2020 was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Results: 15 methylation markers with an area under the curve value of ≥ 0.80 for endometrial cancer detection in cytological specimens were selected from nine studies. Conclusion: Detection of methylation markers in cytological samples indicate the feasibility of minimally invasive testing methods, potentially guiding diagnosis and detection of endometrial cancer in high-risk women and in cancer screening programs.

Keywords::

• biomarkers
• cancer detection
• DNA methylation
• endometrial cancer
• minimally invasive

Supplementary data

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Financial & competing interests disclosure

This work was supported by Hanarth Foundation and Weijerhorst Foundation, who provided financial support for the conduct of the research and had no role in conducting the research and preparation of the manuscript. RDM Steenbergen has a minority share in Self-screen B.V., a spin-off company of Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Hanarth Foundation and Weijerhorst Foundation, who provided financial support for the conduct of the research and had no role in conducting the research and preparation of the manuscript. RDM Steenbergen has a minority share in Self-screen B.V., a spin-off company of Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed. No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.