Differential Methylation Level of CpG Loci That Are Determinative of a Biochemical Reoccurrence of Prostate Cancer

Abstract

The present disclosure provides for and relates to the identification of novel biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer or the biochemical reoccurrence of prostate cancer. The biomarkers of the invention show altered methylation levels of certain CpG loci relative to normal prostate tissue, as set forth.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method for determining the presence or absence of the biochemical reoccurrence of prostate cancer in an individual, the method comprising:
 a. identifying an individual in need of the prevention or treatment of the biochemical reoccurrence of prostate cancer, wherein in said individual has undergone previous treatement for prostate cancer;   b. obtaining a sample of bodily fluid from the individual and isolating the DNA therefrom;   c. determining the methylation level of at least one cytosine within a DNA region in a sample from the individual where the DNA region is at least 90% identical to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS: 1-32; and   d. comparing the methylation level of the at least one cytosine to a threshold value for the at least one cytosine, wherein the threshold value distinguishes between individuals with and without a biochemical reoccurrence of prostate cancer, wherein the comparison of the methylation level to the threshold value is predictive of the presence or absence a biochemical reoccurrence of prostate cancer in the individual.   
     
     
         2 . A kit for determining the presence or absence of the biochemical reoccurrence of prostate cancer in an individual, the kit comprising:
 a. a plurality of nucleic acid primers configured to bind to a nucleic acid at least 90% identical to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS: 1-32;   b. wherein the primers are for use in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) reaction;   wherein the primers are configured to aid in the determination of the methylation level of at least one cytosine within the nucleic acid.