Higher levels of host-cell DNA methylation markers ZNF582 and ASCL1 on anal smears are predictive for progression to anal cancer in patients with previous high-grade lesions.

ABSTRACT:

Background

French and International anal cancer screening recommendations for at-risk populations, published in 2024, are based on cytology and/or high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) detection on anal smears. Biological markers to triage the patients most at-risk for anal cancer are crucial in prioritising patients needing high-resolution anoscopy consultations, which are frequently overwhelmed.

Methods

The AIN3 cohort is a French national multicenter study including patients with a history of high-grade anal lesions (AIN3). Patients were followed-up for at least 3 years, with anal smears and clinical examinations performed yearly. Levels of ZNF582 and ASCL1 gene methylation were quantified using real-time PCR on anal smears collected at the time of inclusion.

Findings</

SUBMITTER: Ferre VM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12508813 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature