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The bitter side of epigenetics: variability and resistance to chemotherapy

Nabil Hajji1, Daniel J García-Domínguez2, Lourdes Hontecillas-Prieto2

  • 1The John Fulcher Molecular Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK.

Epigenomics
|June 23, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Accurate drug resistance testing is crucial for cancer treatment development. This review highlights the overlooked role of epigenetics in chemotherapy resistance and its therapeutic potential.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Drug resistance is a major cause of cancer treatment failure.
  • Current research primarily focuses on genetic mechanisms of chemoresistance, neglecting epigenetic factors.
  • Epigenetic alterations are increasingly recognized for their role in cancer development and drug resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the primary mechanisms of epigenetic regulation in cancer drug resistance.
  • To highlight the significance of epigenetics in overcoming treatment failures.
  • To inform the development of novel epigenetic therapies for cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on epigenetics and cancer drug resistance.
  • Analysis of epigenetic mechanisms influencing chemoresistance.
  • Synthesis of findings from clinical trials involving epigenetic drugs.

Main Results:

  • Epigenetic modifications significantly impact cancer cell response to chemotherapy.
  • Epigenetic regulators control key pathways involved in drug resistance.
  • Clinical trials show promise for epigenetic drugs in cancer treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetics plays a critical role in chemoresistance, offering new therapeutic avenues.
  • Understanding epigenetic mechanisms is essential for improving cancer treatment efficacy.
  • Targeting epigenetic regulators presents a viable strategy to combat drug resistance in cancer.
Keywords:
cancer epigeneticsepigenetic regulationsepigenetic therapies

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