Low O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) expression and response to temozolomide in aggressive pituitary tumours.

McCormack, A; McDonald, K; Gill, A; Clark, S; Burt, MG; Campbell, K; Braund, W; Little, N; Cook, R; Grossman, AB; Robinson, BG; Clifton-Bligh, R

Journal article

Low O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) expression and response to temozolomide in aggressive pituitary tumours.

Abstract:: CONTEXT: Recent case reports detail the successful use of temozolomide in the management of aggressive pituitary tumours. O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) is a DNA repair protein that counteracts the effect of temozolomide. OBJECTIVE: To study MGMT expression in pituitary tumours and consider whether MGMT expression is associated with response to temozolomide therapy in aggressive pituitary tumours. PATIENTS: We report two patients with aggressive pituitary tumours treated with temozolomide, one who responded to temozolomide and the other who did not. MGMT expression was assessed in a further 88 archived pituitary tumour samples. DESIGN: MGMT expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. MGMT promoter methylation was studied by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP), sequencing of MGMT was performed and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analysis undertaken. RESULTS: Low MGMT expression and MGMT promoter methylation were found in the pituitary tumour of the patient who responded to temozolomide. Conversely, high MGMT expression was seen in the patient demonstrating a poor response to temozolomide. Eleven out of 88 archived tumour samples (13%) had low MGMT expression. Prolactinomas were more likely to have low MGMT expression compared with other pituitary tumour subtypes (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in MGMT expression between invasive and noninvasive tumours, or between recurrent and nonrecurrent tumours. A significant inverse correlation was found between MGMT expression and promoter methylation (P = 0.012). CONCLUSION: MGMT expression as assessed by immunohistochemistry may predict response to temozolomide therapy in patients with aggressive pituitary tumours. MGMT promoter methylation is likely to explain low MGMT expression in some, but not all, pituitary tumours.

Publication status:: Published

Actions

Email

Email this record

Send the bibliographic details of this record to your email address.

Your Email
Please enter the email address that the record information will be sent to.

-
Your message (optional)
Please add any additional information to be included within the email.
Share
Cite

Cite this record

APA Style

McCormack, A., McDonald, K., Gill, A., Clark, S., Burt, M. G., Campbell, K., Braund, W., Little, N., Cook, R., Grossman, A. B., Robinson, B. G., & Clifton-Bligh, R. (2009). Low O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) expression and response to temozolomide in aggressive pituitary tumours. Clinical Endocrinology, 71(2), 226–233.

MLA Style

McCormack, A, et al. “Low O6-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase (MGMT) Expression and Response to Temozolomide in Aggressive Pituitary Tumours.” Clinical Endocrinology, vol. 71, no. 2, 2009, pp. 226–33.

Chicago Style

McCormack, A, K McDonald, A Gill, et al. 2009. “Low O6-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase (MGMT) Expression and Response to Temozolomide in Aggressive Pituitary Tumours.” Clinical Endocrinology 71 (2): 226–33.
Print