MAL AND CADM1 PROMOTER METHYLATION A MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTIC MARKER FOR HPV-INDUCED INVASIVE CERVICAL CANCERS AND THEIR HIGH-GRADE PRECURSOR LESIONS

摘要

The inventors now have developed a (molecular) diagnostic marker based on MAL alterations, in particular reduced MAL mRNA and protein expression as well as MAL promoter hypermethylation, to identify human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced high-grade precancerous lesions such as premalignant cervical lesions of invasive cervical cancer, and high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced precursor lesions of non-cervical invasive cancers within, cell material obtained via scraping, lavage or by other means and/or tissue. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of the MAL gene (including its promoter) and the gene products thereof as marker for HPV-induced high-grade premalignant lesions, allowing early detection and better treatment option for the individual patient.