Analysis of HOXA9 methylated ctDNA in ovarian cancer using sense-antisense measurement

DNA promoter methylation is an early event in tumorigenesis and holds promise as a valuable marker ovarian cancer (OC). It can be measured using circulating tumor specific (ctDNA) isolated from the bloodstream. Sensitivity, however, limiting factor of its diagnostic feasibility OC. analyses are based on bisulfite conversion, resulting two strands that no longer complementary. The current standard strategy would then target only one double stranded strands, but potential to increase sensitivity by targeting both available. In this study, we aimed at evaluating methylated HOXA9 ctDNA OC sense antisense strand. Methylated was detected plasma 47/79 (59.5%) patients with newly diagnosed sense-antisense droplet digital PCR. Simultaneous measurement increased 14.6% (51.9% 59.5%) compared only. FIGO stage I-II disease 25%. conclusion, simultaneous analytical approach appears setting