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Epigenetic targeting therapies to overcome chemotherapy resistance

Curt Balch1, Kenneth P Nephew

  • 1Medical Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Jordan Hall 300, 1001 East Third Street, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA. rbalch@indiana.edu

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|September 8, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Epigenetic aberrations are early indicators of cancer, suggesting potential for new chemopreventive drugs and diagnostic biomarkers. Combining epigenetic therapies with stemness pathway inhibitors may overcome chemotherapy resistance in solid tumors.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Epigenetics
  • Cancer Stem Cell Biology

Background:

  • Epigenetic alterations are early events in cancer development.
  • Epigenetic biomarkers offer potential for early cancer detection and prevention.
  • Epigenetic therapies can re-express tumor suppressors, enhancing conventional chemotherapy efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of epigenetic aberrations in early malignant transformation.
  • To highlight the therapeutic potential of combinatorial epigenetic therapies.
  • To investigate the impact of epigenetic modulation on cancer stem cells.

Main Methods:

  • Review of established epigenetic mechanisms in cancer.
  • Analysis of combinatorial therapy strategies involving epigenetic modulators.
  • Discussion of targeting stemness pathways in conjunction with epigenetic treatments.

Main Results:

  • Epigenetic aberrations are confirmed early events in cancer development.
  • Combinatorial epigenetic therapies show promise in re-sensitizing tumors to chemotherapy.
  • Targeting cancer stem cells via epigenetic modulation is a viable strategy for solid tumors.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetic therapies are poised to become a standard component of cancer treatment.
  • Combining epigenetic drugs with stemness pathway inhibitors may combat chemotherapy resistance.
  • Future cancer drug regimens will likely integrate epigenetic and stemness-targeting approaches.

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