Abstract

Cell-free DNA Promoter Hypermethylation in plasma as a Biomarker for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma - Preliminary Results

Stine Dam Henriksen, Researcher, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Aalborg University Hospital

DNA promoter hypermethylation is known to be a part of early carcinogenesis due to inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. The aim of this study is to examine if cell-free DNA promoter hypermethylation in a panel of genes, can be used as a minimally invasive marker for pancreatic adenocarinoma. Methods: Based on an optimized accelerated bisulfite treatment protocol, methylation specific PCR of a gene-panel consisting of 28 genes is applied. The plasma methylation profile of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (n=95) are assessed prospectively and consecutively with 2 years follow-up, and compared to patients with chronic pancreatitis (n=97), patients with acute pancreatitis (n=59) and patients screened for, but not having pancreatic adenocarcinoma (n=28). Results: According to preliminary data there is a statistically significant difference in the methylation status of 18 genes. The difference in the number of mean methylated genes in the cancer group (8,41 (95% CI 7,62-9,20)) vs the total control group(4,73 (95% CI 4,40-5,08)) is highly statistically significant (P<0,0001). According to preliminary data, alterations in cell-free DNA promoter hypermethylation have the potential of being diagnostic and prognostic markers for pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and maybe even a marker of recurrence. We expect final results to be available in February 2016.