Epigenetic therapy in lung cancer

Stephen V Liu1, Muller Fabbri, Barbara J Gitlitz

  • 1Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, CA , USA.

Frontiers in Oncology
|June 12, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Epigenetic changes drive lung cancer development but are reversible. New therapies targeting DNA methylation and histone acetylation offer promising treatment strategies for lung cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Epigenetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Epigenetic deregulation is a key factor in cancer development, particularly lung cancer.
  • Epigenetic alterations, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, contribute to lung carcinogenesis.
  • The reversible nature of epigenetic changes presents unique therapeutic opportunities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the therapeutic implications of epigenetic alterations in lung cancer.
  • To discuss recent advances in epigenetic-based therapeutic strategies for lung cancer.
  • To highlight the potential of targeting DNA methylation and histone acetylation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of epigenetic mechanisms in lung cancer.
  • Analysis of current therapeutic strategies targeting epigenetic modifications.
  • Synthesis of recent research on DNA methylation and histone acetylation inhibitors.

Main Results:

  • Epigenetic modifications are crucial in the pathogenesis of lung cancer.
  • Therapeutic targeting of DNA methylation and histone acetylation shows promise.
  • Reversibility of epigenetic changes offers a window for intervention.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetic deregulation is a significant driver of lung cancer.
  • Targeting epigenetic mechanisms, specifically DNA methylation and histone acetylation, represents a viable therapeutic approach.
  • Further research into epigenetic therapies could lead to improved lung cancer treatment outcomes.

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