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Abstract
Total mesorectal excision (TME) remains commonplace for T1–2 rectal cancer owing to fear of undertreating a small proportion of patients with node-positive disease. Molecular stratification may predict cancer progression. It could be used to select patients for organ-preserving surgery if specific biomarkers were validated.
MethodsGene methylation was quantified using bisulphite pyrosequencing in 133 unirradiated rectal cancer TME specimens. KRAS mutation and microsatellite instability status were also defined. Molecular parameters were correlated with histopathological indices of disease progression. Predictive models for nodal metastasis, lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and distant metastasis were constructed using a multilevel reverse logistic regression model.
ResultsMethylation of the retinoic acid receptor β gene, RARB, and that of the checkpoint with forkhead and ring finger gene, CHFR, was associated with tumour stage (RARB: 51·9 per cent for T1–2 versus 33·9 per cent for T3–4, P < 0·001; CHFR: 5·5 per cent for T1–2 versus12·6 per cent for T3–4, P = 0·005). Gene methylation associated with nodal metastasis included RARB (47·1 per cent for N− versus 31·7 per cent for N+; P = 0·008), chemokine ligand 12, CXCL12 (12·3 per cent for N− versus 8·9 per cent for N+; P = 0·021), and death-associated protein kinase 1, DAPK1 (19·3 per cent for N− versus 12·3 per cent for N+; P = 0·022). RARB methylation was also associated with LVI (45·1 per cent for LVI− versus 31·7 per cent for LVI+; P = 0·038). Predictive models for nodal metastasis and LVI achieved sensitivities of 91·1 and 85·0 per cent, and specificities of 55·3 and 45·3 per cent, respectively.
ConclusionThis methylation biomarker panel provides a step towards accurate discrimination of indolent and aggressive rectal cancer subtypes. This could offer an improvement over the current standard of care, whereby fit patients are offered radical surgery.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1299–1309 |
Journal | British Journal of Surgery |
Volume | 101 |
Issue number | 10 |
Early online date | 23 Jul 2014 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 23 Jul 2014 |
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Dive into the research topics of 'Biomarker-based treatment selection in early-stage rectal cancer to promote organ preservation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 1 Finished
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Development and Validation of Methylation Based Prognostic Biomakers to Stratify for Risk of Recurrence in Early Rectal Cancer
Matthews, G., Bach, S. & Morton, D.
1/03/10 → 29/07/12
Project: Research Councils