Gene-promoter hypermethylation as a biomarker in lung cancer

Nat Rev Cancer. 2004 Sep;4(9):707-17. doi: 10.1038/nrc1432.

Abstract

Silencing of genes by aberrant promoter hypermethylation is now recognized as a crucial component in cancer initiation and progression. Highly sensitive assays have been developed to assess gene-promoter methylation in biological fluids. The detection of methylated genes in sputum could lead to the development of a screening test to non-invasively identify early cancer in high-risk people.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biological Assay
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis*
  • DNA Methylation*
  • Disease Progression
  • Gene Silencing*
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Lung Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Mass Screening
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic / genetics*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Sputum

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor