Methylation Markers in Renal Cell Carcinoma

ABSTRACT

Many tumor markers in relation to renal cell carcinoma (RCC) have been evaluated for detecting and monitoring diseases outcomes. However, none of these biomarkers reported to date has shown sufficient sensitivity and specificity for as a detector and prognosticator of the whole spectrum of RCC in routine clinical practice. The limited value of the established prognostic markers requires analysis of new molecular parameters of interest in predicting the prognosis of RCC patients; in particular, the high-risk patient groups at risk of recurrence and progression. Abnormal methylation of CpG islands can efficiently repress transcription of the associated gene in a manner akin to mutations and deletions. Recent progress in the understanding of epigenetic modification and gene silencing has provided new opportunities for the detection, treatment, and prevention of cancer. Methylation is an important molecular mechanism in RCC and could be used as a diagnostic and prognostic marker. Aberrant patterns of epigenetic modification would be, in near future, crucial parameters in cancer diagnosis, prognosis and a good target for developing novel therapies while maintaining the quality of life. This review discusses the epigenetic issues involved in the detection and prediction of prognosis in RCC.