Unravelling the potential of plasma DNA methylation in the detection and surveillance of esophageal cancer

Abstract

Esophageal cancer (EC) continues to pose a significant clinical challenge due to the absence of a reliable early detection method, leading to late-stage diagnoses and poor patient outcomes. The recent study by Liu et al presents a promising breakthrough, demonstrating that plasma DNA methylation markers-SHOX2, SEPTIN9, EPO, and RNF180-offer a non-invasive approach for early EC detection with 76.19% sensitivity and 86.27% specificity. Given the urgent need for effective screening strategies, the potential integration of this assay into clinical practice could significantly enhance early diagnosis, patient monitoring, and overall survival rates. While further validation is necessary, this advancement marks an important step toward improving EC detection and management.

Keywords: Esophageal cancer; Plasma DNA methylation; Screening

Core Tip: Esophageal cancer (EC) lacks a reliable early detection method, leading to high rates of late-stage diagnosis and poor prognosis. This study explores the use of plasma DNA methylation markers-SHOX2, SEPTIN9, EPO, and RNF180-as a non-invasive tool for early EC screening and surveillance. Demonstrating high sensitivity and specificity, this methylation panel holds promise for improving diagnostic accuracy and patient monitoring. Despite some limitations, this innovative approach could significantly impact clinical practices, offering a transformative solution to enhance early detection, reduce mortality, and improve quality of life for EC patients.