Orion Genomics identifies breast cancer biomarkers

USA-based Orion Genomics has announced the discovery and validation of the most frequent DNA alterations detected in breast cancer to date. The results of a genome-wide analysis of DNA methylation appeared in the journal PLoS ONE. The study, titled Identification of Novel High-Frequency DNA Methylation Changes in Breast Cancer, found more than 50 novel biomarkers, which were subsequently validated in up to 230 independent patient samples.

"Our study identified novel biomarkers that were individually capable of distinguishing early stage ductal breast cancer from normal and benign breast tissue," commented Jared Ordway, director of R&D at Orion Genomics.

Researchers applied a patented, microarray-based approach to map tumor-associated changes in DNA methylation, alterations that can affect normal gene expression. A single locus associated with the GHSR gene was the most powerful biomarker in the study, with a clinical sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 96% for infiltrating ductal breast carcinoma. In addition to identifying biomarkers that might aid in the detection of breast cancer, the research revealed insights into the molecular mechanism of tumor development, which may lead to advances in breast cancer treatment.