Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 27, 2026

An Integrated Platform for Genome-wide Mapping of Chromatin States Using High-throughput ChIP-sequencing in Tumor Tissues
10:41

An Integrated Platform for Genome-wide Mapping of Chromatin States Using High-throughput ChIP-sequencing in Tumor Tissues

Published on: April 5, 2018

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Genetic Mutations and Epigenetic Modifications: Driving Cancer and Informing Precision Medicine

Krysta Mila Coyle1, Jeanette E Boudreau1,2, Paola Marcato1,2

  • 1Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.

Biomed Research International
|July 8, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Precision medicine revolutionizes cancer care by targeting molecular alterations, moving beyond generic treatments. Combining therapies addresses tumor heterogeneity and resistance, improving outcomes across cancer subtypes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Cancer treatment evolved from cytotoxic therapies to molecularly targeted approaches.
  • Precision medicine utilizes tumor molecular features for drug development and patient stratification.
  • Understanding genetic and epigenetic factors is crucial for cancer progression and treatment response.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the historical evolution of cancer treatment strategies.
  • To discuss the role of genetics and epigenetics in cancer progression and targeted therapy response.
  • To identify challenges and opportunities for successful precision medicine implementation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of cancer treatment history.
  • Analysis of genetic and epigenetic contributions to cancer.
  • Discussion of intratumoral heterogeneity and therapeutic resistance mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • Tumor molecular profiling enables tailored cancer therapies.
  • Intratumoral heterogeneity poses challenges for treatment efficacy and resistance.
  • Rational combination of therapies is essential to overcome acquired resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Precision medicine offers improved outcomes by targeting specific molecular alterations.
  • Addressing tumor heterogeneity and resistance is key for advancing targeted cancer therapies.
  • Integrating genetic and epigenetic insights facilitates effective precision medicine across cancer subtypes.

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