Cell-free DNA Methylation
cfDNA Methylation Analysis in CRC for Minimal Residual Disease Detection in Populations with Limited Research Data
Project Snapshot
Did you know?
Minimal residual disease (MRD) refers to the presence of small amounts of cancer cells in the body after cancer treatment. Early detection of MRD is crucial for improving colorectal cancer (CRC) recurrence detection and treatment effectiveness.
Goal
To develop cfDNA methylation liquid biopsies for detecting MRD in CRC among populations with limited research data.
Method
- Identify chemical markers in blood samples from advanced stage CRC patients to compare with samples from treated patients to create a MRD detection panel.
- Design and test a targeted genetic test using blood samples from post-surgery patients with no evidence of disease.
Implications
Detecting MRD will enable cancer researchers to identify the risk of CRC recurrence and determine treatment options to improve outcomes for populations with limited research data.
Project Deep Dive
Summary:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer mortality in the US, with differences in disease incidence and outcomes among patient groups. Recent advancements in liquid biopsy can provide important treatment options to some CRC patients, particularly by detecting Minimal Residual Disease (MRD), which refers to residual cancer cells in the body post-treatment. One of the approaches, cell-free (cf)DNA methylation, has shown promising data for the detection of MRD. To enhance MRD detection in CRC, especially among populations with limited research data, researchers from COPECC and WU-PE-CGS will collaborate to develop cfDNA methylation liquid biopsies for detecting MRD in CRC.
Researchers will utilize a method called whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) to identify specific chemical markers in the DNA fragments in blood of advanced staged CRC patients. These samples will be compared to those from successfully treated patients. The specific markers found in advanced stage CRC patients will help create a panel to detect MRD, called CRC4C-AAHL. Additionally, they will design and test a targeted genetic test using blood samples collected post-surgery from patients with no evidence of disease.
Developing the CRC4C-AAHL MRD panel has the potential to identify patients at the highest risk of recurrence and predict disease-specific survival. This information can help determine treatment decisions, including the type and intensity of treatment. Ultimately, MRD detection using cfDNA methylation approach helps develop treatment interventions to cure cancer, potentially improving outcomes for CRC patients, particularly among populations with limited research data.