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Epigenetic changes: potential therapeutic targets

Thea Kalebic1

  • 1Lung and Upper Aerodigestive Cancer Research Group, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA. thea.kalebic@pharma.novartis.com

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|May 2, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Epigenetic modifications in cancer, including DNA methylation and histone acetylation, offer new therapeutic targets. Understanding these epigenetic alterations aids in patient stratification for targeted cancer treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Genomic Medicine
  • Cancer Biology
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and chromatin structure changes, significantly influence gene expression.
  • These epigenetic events play a crucial role in cellular processes like proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis.
  • Dysregulation of epigenetic pathways is implicated in tumorigenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore novel approaches for identifying cancer-associated epigenetic modifications.
  • To investigate the therapeutic potential of targeting epigenetic pathways in cancer.
  • To assess the utility of epigenetic profiles for patient stratification.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent advances in human genome research focused on epigenetics.
  • Analysis of molecular pathways regulating epigenetic events during cancer development.
  • Examination of clinical studies on epigenetic therapeutic agents.

Main Results:

  • Epigenetic modulators demonstrate a significant impact on gene expression and cellular functions.
  • Therapeutic agents targeting DNA methylation and histone acetylation show promising clinical results.
  • Molecular profiles of epigenetic alterations can potentially guide treatment decisions.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetic modifications represent viable targets for novel cancer therapies.
  • Targeting epigenetic pathways offers a promising avenue for cancer treatment intervention.
  • Epigenetic profiling may enable personalized treatment strategies for cancer patients.

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