MGMT Immunoreactivity and Promoter Status in Brain Metastases
Author Information
Author(s): Barbara Ingold, Peter Schraml, Frank L. Heppner, Holger Moch
Primary Institution: University Hospital Zurich
Hypothesis
We hypothesize that immunohistochemistry for MGMT may be a helpful diagnostic tool to identify tumors that probably will not benefit from alkylating agents.
Conclusion
About one third of brain metastases from various cancers show a methylated MGMT promoter, suggesting they may be targets for alkylating agent therapy.
Supporting Evidence
- 29.6% of brain metastases showed a methylated MGMT promoter.
- Homogeneous MGMT expression was significantly correlated with an unmethylated MGMT promoter.
- The methylation rate was highest in lung carcinoma-derived brain metastases at 46.5%.
Takeaway
This study found that many brain tumors have a specific change in their DNA that might help doctors decide if a certain type of medicine will work on them.
Methodology
The study analyzed MGMT promoter methylation and immunoreactivity in 325 brain metastases using methylation-specific PCR and immunohistochemistry.
Limitations
The study's findings may be limited by the quality of DNA extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues.
Participant Demographics
Brain metastases were derived from lung (n=91), breast (n=72), kidney (n=49), and malignant melanomas (n=113).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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