Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 25, 2026
Genome-Wide Analysis of DNA Methylation in Gastrointestinal Cancer
Published on: September 18, 2020
[GSTP1 CpG island hypermethylation as a molecular marker of prostate cancer]
P J Bastian1, M Nakayama, A M De Marzo
1The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, USA. patrick.bastian@gmx.de
Background:
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in Europe and North America. Despite its high prevalence, the molecular mechanism of its underlying development and progression is poorly understood. Many studies have revealed multiple molecular alterations during prostate cancer carcinogenesis. GSTP1 CpG island hypermethylation is one of the molecular changes that occur during carcinogenesis.
Methods:
We evaluated the role of GSTP1 CpG island hypermethylation in prostatic cancers and discussed its possible role as a molecular biomarker of prostate cancer.
Results:
Studies haven shown that GSTP1 CpG island hypermethylation is present in about 90% of prostatic carcinomas. The DNA alteration was also detectable in body fluids such as blood, urine, ejaculate, or prostatic secretions. One study showed hypermethylation in histologically unsuspicious lymph nodes in surgical specimens in patients with biochemical PSA (prostate-specific antigen) recurrence. Additionally, it is possible to distinguish between normal prostatic tissue, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and prostate cancer.
Conclusions:
The detection of GSTP1 CpG island hypermethylation serves as a molecular marker in prostate cancer screening, detection, and diagnosis. It may even provide information on prostate cancer prognosis. However, prospective trials to evaluate its predictive value are necessary.
