Promoter CpG Island Methylation Markers in Colorectal Cancer: The Road Ahead

Abstract

Despite increasing knowledge on the biology, detection and treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC), the disease is still a major health problem. Hypermethylation of promoter regions of genes has been studied extensively as a contributor in CRC carcinogenesis. In addition, it is the topic of many studies focusing on biomarkers for the early detection, prediction of prognosis and treatment outcome. Methylation markers may be preferred over current screening and test methods as they are stable and easy to detect. However, almost no methylation marker is currently being used in clinical practice, often due to a lack of sensitivity, specificity, or validation of the results. This review summarizes the current knowledge of hypermethylation biomarkers for CRC detection, progression and treatment outcome.

KEYWORDS::

• colorectal cancer
• DNA methylation
• early detection marker
• prediction marker
• prognostic marker

Financial & competing interests disclosure

M van Engeland, GA Meijer and JG Herman received research funding from MDx Health. The authors have no other relevant affiliat?ions 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

M van Engeland, GA Meijer and JG Herman received research funding from MDx Health. The authors have no other relevant affiliat?ions 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.