TITLE:
Impact of MGMT Promoter Methylation as a Prognostic Marker in Patients with High Grade Glioma: A Single-Center Observational Study
AUTHORS:
Vinu Sarathy, Srinivasa Belagutty Jayappa, Bhanu Lalkota, Kiran Pura Krishnamurthy, Vishal Kulkarni, Samuel Luke Koramati, Nasiruddin Mohammad, Radheshyam Naik
KEYWORDS:
Glioblastoma, MGMT Promoter Methylation, MGMT Gene, Aklylating Agents, Temozolomide, Prognosis
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Cancer Therapy,
Vol.10 No.10,
October
8,
2019
ABSTRACT: Objectives: 1) To correlate the methylation status of the O-6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT promoter gene) and
response to alkylating agent-based treatment in high-grade gliomas. Background: The MGMT gene is
epigenetically silenced by promoter hypermethylation in gliomas and this
modification has emerged as a relevant predictor of therapeutic response. Methods: 20 cases of high-grade glioma were analyzed for MGMT promoter methylation
by methylation-specific PCR. Response to treatment and overall survival data were recorded and data analysed. Results: MGMT promoter methylation was found in 60% of gliomas by
methylation-specific PCR. The mean survival time of glioblastoma patients
submitted to adjuvant therapy was significantly higher among patients with MGMT
promoter methylation (P =
0.035) and methylation status was an independent predictive factor that was
associated with improved prognosis. Discussion and Conclusion: MGMT
promoter methylation status was a more reliable predictor of response to
adjuvant therapy and prognosis of high-grade gliomas. A subset of patients received irinotecan
and bevacizumab in the second line setting and patients with unmethylated MGMT seemed to do better than the MGMT
promoter methylated group.