DNA methylation detection technology and plasma-based methylation biomarkers in screening of gastrointestinal carcinoma

Lay abstract In the context of an increasing global burden of gastrointestinal (GI) carcinoma, early cancer screening is of paramount importance, so there is an urgent need for efficient and reliable potential biomarkers. More biomarkers are emerging with the development of noninvasive test and related detection technologies. This review provides an overview of certain potential biomarkers named DNA methylation, focusing on the presentation and comparison of related detection technologies for this type of biomarkers and introduces the promising plasma-based biomarkers published in recent years for early screening of GI carcinoma. Finally, we summarize and discuss the future of plasma-based biomarkers detection as a clinical tool for early screening of GI carcinoma. DNA methylation is of paramount importance for the evolution of human cancers. Its high sensitivity and specificity make it a potential biomarker for early cancer screening in the context of an increasing global burden of gastrointestinal (GI) carcinoma. More DNA methylation biomarkers are emerging with the development of liquid biopsy and sensitive DNA methylation detection technology. This review provides an overview of DNA methylation, focusing on the presentation and comparison of 5-methylcytosine detection technologies, and introduces the promising plasma-based cell-free DNA (cfDNA) methylation biomarkers published in recent years for early screening of GI carcinoma. Finally, we summarize and discuss the future of plasma cfDNA methylation markers detection as a clinical tool for early screening of GI carcinoma.