DAPK Methylation Not a Reliable Marker for Esophageal Cancer Treatment Response

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the University of Cologne in Germany have published a study in the Annals of Surgical Oncology, finding that DAPK (Death-Associated Protein Kinase) methylation in pretreatment biopsies of patients with locally advanced cancer of the esophagus is not a reliable marker for predicting histomorphological regression or prognosis following neoadjuvant chemoradiation. The study investigated 50 patients with locally advanced cancer of the esophagus and found that 34% showed a major and 66% a minor histomorphological response to neoadjuvant therapy. DAPK methylation was detectable in 10% of normal esophageal tissues and 78% of tumor tissues, with a median methylation level of 2.7 x 10^(-3) in tumor tissues compared to 0.1 x 10^(-3) in normal tissues.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed DAPK methylation in pretreatment biopsies of 50 patients with locally advanced cancer of the esophagus.
  • DAPK methylation was detectable in 10% of normal esophageal tissues and 78% of tumor tissues.
  • The median methylation level for DAPK was 2.7 x 10^(-3) in tumor tissues compared to 0.1 x 10^(-3) in normal tissues.
  • The study found no correlation between DAPK methylation and histomorphological regression or prognosis following neoadjuvant chemoradiation.
  • The study's findings suggest that DAPK methylation may not be a reliable marker for predicting treatment response in esophageal cancer.
  • The study was published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology in 2009.
  • J. Brabender and colleagues conducted the study at the University of Cologne's Dept. of General, Visceral and Tumor Surgery.
  • The study's findings have implications for the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for esophageal cancer.

Statistics:

  • 34% of patients showed a major histomorphological response to neoadjuvant therapy.
  • 66% of patients showed a minor histomorphological response to neoadjuvant therapy.
  • DAPK methylation was detectable in 10% of normal esophageal tissues.
  • DAPK methylation was detectable in 78% of tumor tissues.
  • The median methylation level for DAPK in tumor tissues was 2.7 x 10^(-3).
  • The median methylation level for DAPK in normal tissues was 0.1 x 10^(-3).

Sources:

  • Brabender, J., et al. (2009). Death-associated protein kinase (DAPK) promoter methylation and response to neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy in esophageal cancer. Annals of Surgical Oncology, 16(5), 1378-1383.
  • University of Cologne, Dept. of General, Visceral and Tumor Surgery.
  • Springer, 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013, USA.