MGMT Promoter Methylation

MGMT promoter methylation refers to a chemical modification in the DNA region controlling the MGMT gene, which is responsible for repairing damaged DNA in cells. When this promoter region becomes methylated, it can reduce or silence the gene's activity. In cancer, especially brain tumors like gliomas, methylation of the MGMT promoter can make tumor cells less able to repair DNA damage caused by certain chemotherapies, potentially making treatments more effective. This epigenetic change helps predict how well a patient might respond to specific therapies and is important for personalized cancer treatment strategies.