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Cancer

DNA Methylation Profiles Predicting Response to Anti-PD-1-Based Treatment in Gastric Cancer Patients

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

In a groundbreaking study published in BMC Medicine, researchers from Guangdong, People's Republic of China, have shed light on the potential of DNA methylation as a predictive marker for the efficacy of anti-PD-1-based treatment in gastric cancer patients. By analyzing DNA methylation profiles of 99 patients treated with first-line anti-PD-1-based treatment, the study discovered 523 differentially methylated probes (DMPs), of which 20 were identified as the most significant for treatment response. A machine learning model, named iMETH, was developed using the k-nearest neighbors (KNN) algorithm, which showed optimal predictive value in both training and testing sets, accurately identifying responders and non-responders.

Key Takeaways:

  • A total of 99 gastric cancer patients treated with first-line anti-PD-1-based treatment were enrolled in the study.
  • DNA methylation profiles of 523 DMPs were identified, with 20 probes being the most significant for treatment response.
  • The iMETH model, based on the KNN algorithm, showed optimal predictive value in both training (AUC = 0.99) and testing (AUC = 0.96) sets.
  • The model correctly identified responders and non-responders, with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) being significantly longer in predicted responders.
  • The study suggests that DNA methylation profiles can be used as a predictive marker for the efficacy of anti-PD-1-based treatment in gastric cancer patients.
  • The iMETH model has the potential for practical application in clinical settings, guiding personalized treatment strategies.

Statistics:

  • 99 gastric cancer patients were enrolled in the study.
  • 523 DMPs were identified, with 20 probes being the most significant for treatment response.
  • The iMETH model showed AUC values of 0.99 and 0.96 in training and testing sets, respectively.
  • Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were significantly longer in predicted responders (p < 0.001).

Sources:

  • Zhu, Z., et al. "DNA methylation profiles predicting response to anti-PD-1-based treatment in patients with advanced gastric cancer." BMC Medicine, 2025;23(1):529.
  • BioMed Central (biomedcentral.com/; BMC Medicine: www.biomedcentral.com/bmcmed/)
  • NewsRx. Recent Findings from Stroke Center Provide New Insights into Personalized Medicine (DNA methylation profiles predicting response to anti-PD-1-based treatment in patients with advanced gastric cancer). Cancer Weekly. October 14, 2025; p 3105.

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