DNA methylation markers for endometrial cancer detection in minimally invasive samples: a systematic review

DNA methylation testing for endometrial cancer detection in minimally invasive specimens is a promising tool to improve screening and diagnostic procedures. Available literature was systematically reviewed to assess the potential of this approach and define methylation markers deserving further development. A systematic search up to March 31 2020 was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. 15 methylation markers with an area under the curve value of ≥ 0.80 for endometrial cancer detection in cytological specimens were selected from nine studies. Detection of methylation markers in cytological samples indicate the feasibility of minimally invasive testing methods, potentially guiding diagnosis and detection of endometrial cancer in high-risk women and in cancer screening programs.