DUSP4 as clinically relevant epigenetic marker and therapeutic target in gliomas and other tumors

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention relates to the use of DUSP4 promoter methylation as an epigenetic biomarker for cancer diagnostics and prognosis, particularly for gliomas and other tumors. It describes methods for detecting DNA methylation at CpG sites within the DUSP4/MKP2 gene promoter, which can predict the presence and type of cancer, as well as the cancer's likely response to certain therapies (e.g. alkylating agents and EGFR-targeting drugs). The invention provides robust, quantitative, and cost-effective methods (such as Pyrosequencing or COBRA) for analyzing methylation status, applicable even in challenging clinical samples like formalin-fixed tissues.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Diagnosis and prognosis of gliomas (e.g. glioblastomas, astrocytomas) based on DUSP4 promoter methylation status.
• Prediction of patient response to chemotherapy, especially alkylating agents or anti-EGFR therapies, by assessing DUSP4 methylation.
• Companion diagnostics for personalized medicine in oncology, helping clinicians select effective treatments.
• Cancer risk assessment in other tumors such as colorectal or breast cancers where DUSP4 methylation may be a relevant marker.
• Analysis of archived tissue samples (FFPE or preserved specimens) for retrospective clinical studies or re-evaluation of prior cases.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Provides a reliable, quantitative, and sensitive epigenetic method for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, improving upon previous, less robust technologies.
• Enables prediction of tumor responsiveness to specific treatments, supporting personalized medicine and improved patient outcomes.
• Works effectively with various types of tissue samples, including routinely used, lower-quality samples (e.g., FFPE specimens), expanding clinical applicability.
• Facilitates rapid, parallel, and cost-efficient clinical workflows for molecular diagnostics.
• May identify patients with certain tumor subtypes (e.g., secondary glioblastoma) who will benefit most from specific therapeutics, optimizing resource use and care.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The present invention provides a method for diagnosis or prognosis of a cancer and a method for prediction of the responsiveness of certain tumor types, said methods comprising determining the methylation degree, i.e. the detection of methylated CpG sites in of the DUSP4 / MKP2 gene/promoter. The invention further provides a method for determination of the methylation degree of the promoter region of the dual-specificity phosphatase 4/map kinase phosphatase 2 ( DUSP4 / MKP2) gene, which is suitable for prediction of the responsiveness of certain tumor types and for diagnosis or prognosis of cancer. Amplification products and primers which may be used in said method and kits for performing the method are also provided.