Resumen
A multiplexed optimised bias-based preamplification?digital droplet PCR (OBBPA-ddPCR) diagnostic technique was developed and tested in this study. The method estimates blood-derived cell-free DNA (cfDNA) methylation levels of RASSF1A, MIR129-2, NRIP3, and SOX8 target sequences in blood samples. The study included 90 healthy individuals, 40 benign prostatic hyperplasia patients, and 39 prostate cancer (PCa) patients. The risk scores were developed to further reduce unnecessary prostate biopsies and PCa overdiagnosis. The scores included classical risk factors and methylation data, delivering an improved 70% specificity for BPH patients and 100% sensitivity for clinically significant PCa patients.