Ability of PITX2 methylation to predict survival in patients with prostate cancer

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to explore whether candidate gene methylation can effectively predict death from prostate cancer. METHODS: After reviewing the literature to identify likely candidate genes, we assembled a case-control cohort (in a 1:2 ratio) to explore the distribution of PITX2, WNT5a, SPARC, EPB41L3, and TPM4 methylation levels. The case group comprised 45 patients with a Gleason score ≤7 who had died as a result of prostate cancer, and the control group comprised 90 current prostate cancer patients or those who died of other causes. The methylation possibility of each of the candidate genes were maximized. Univariate conditional logistic was applied for data analysis and to evaluate prediction efficiency of gene methylation on prostate cancer. RESULTS: The results indicated that a raised level of PITX2 methylation increased the likelihood of death due to prostate cancer by 10% (odds ratio 1.56, 95% confidence interval 1.17–2.08; P=0.005). Methylation of SPARC was found to be able to distinguish between benign prostate hyperplasia and prostate cancer. CONCLUSION: Methylation of PITX2 is an effective biomarker to predict death from prostate cancer, particularly in patients with a low Gleason score.