Thirteen‐gene DNA methylation analysis of oral brushing samples: A potential surveillance tool for periodic monitoring of treated patients with oral cancer

Abstract

BackgroundWe evaluated the prognostic role of 13‐gene DNA methylation analysis by oral brushing repeatedly performed during the follow‐up of patients surgically treated for oral cancer.MethodsThis is a nested case–control study including 61 patients for a total of 64 outcomes (2/61 patients experienced multiple relapses). Samples were collected at baseline (4–10 months after OSCC resection) and repeatedly every 4–10 months until relapse or death. DNA methylation scores were classified as persistently positive, persistently negative, or mixed.ResultsTwenty cases who had persistently positive scores and 30 cases with mixed scores had, respectively, an almost 42‐fold (p < 0.001) and 32‐fold (p = 0.006) higher likelihood of relapse, compared to 14 patients with persistently negative scores. The last score before reoccurrence was positive in 18/19 secondary events.ConclusionsThe 13‐gene DNA methylation analysis may be considered for the surveillance of patients treated for oral carcinoma.