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Epigenome-based personalized medicine in human cancer
Wenji Yan1, James G Herman2, Mingzhou Guo1
1Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, #28 Fuxing Road, Beijing 100853, China.
Epigenomics
|September 8, 2015
Summary
Epigenetic alterations, like DNA methylation, offer new avenues for precision cancer medicine beyond genetic mutations. These epigenetic markers can guide targeted therapies and drug responses in various cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epigenetics
- Genomics
Background:
- Precision medicine in cancer has largely focused on genetic alterations, limiting treatment guidance to specific patient subsets.
- Epigenetic events, such as DNA methylation, are equally promising for developing personalized cancer therapies.
- Current epigenetic therapies include DNA methyltransferase inhibitors and histone deacetylase inhibitors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the potential of epigenetic alterations as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in precision cancer medicine.
- To review the role of DNA methylation and other epigenetic modifications in guiding cancer treatment.
- To discuss the clinical application of epigenetic drugs in various cancers.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on cancer epigenetics and precision medicine.
- Analysis of studies investigating DNA methylation markers for drug response.
- Examination of clinical trial data for epigenetic inhibitors.
Main Results:
- DNA methylation alterations can identify tumor-specific drug-responsive markers, exemplified by MGMT methylation in gliomas.
- Drugs like 5-azacytidine and decitabine show efficacy in myelodysplasia and lung cancer.
- Numerous epigenetic regulators, including EZH2, are targets of inhibitors currently in clinical development.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic modifications represent a significant frontier for personalized cancer therapy.
- Targeting epigenetic regulators offers a promising strategy for treating a broader range of cancers.
- Further research into epigenetic biomarkers and therapies will enhance precision oncology.
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