Methylation Patterns of Cancer-Associated Genes in Breast Cancer

%), respectively. In malignant tumors, the h-MLH and RASSF1 genes were most infrequently and frequently methylated genes, respectively. The subgroup showing methylation of the DAPK gene had a higher nuclear grade and greater progesterone receptor negativity. The group in which the RASSF1 gene was methylated, had greater estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PgR) positivities. The Twist gene was frequently methylated in the subgroup showing higher nuclear and histologic grades. The group with HIN1 and cyclin D methylation had a tendency to show greater ER positivity. Conclusion: The subgroups showing methylated DAPK and Twist should be more intensely treated and followed up more carefully than those with RASSF1 , HIN-1 and Cyclin D methylation. Gene methylation may be linked to various pathological features of breast cancer; however, this will require confirmation from larger studies. (J Breast Cancer 2007;10:51-8)