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Cancer Treatment: An Epigenetic View
1Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, Merkez/Edirne, Turkey.
Global Medical Genetics
|September 4, 2020
Summary
Epigenetic alterations are key characteristics of cancer, driving its uncontrolled cell growth. This review summarizes major epigenetic changes in cancer and preclinical results of novel epigenetic therapeutics for treatment and biomarker development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epigenetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and genetic aberrations.
- Epigenetic modifications, alongside genetic mutations, are increasingly recognized as crucial in cancer development.
- Epigenetic alterations play a significant role in cancer prognosis and treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review major epigenetic changes implicated in cancer.
- To summarize preclinical findings on epigenetic therapeutics.
- To highlight the importance of cancer epigenetics for novel biomarker and therapeutic target discovery.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epigenetic alterations in cancer.
- Analysis of preclinical data for epigenetic therapies.
- Synthesis of current understanding of cancer epigenetics.
Main Results:
- Identification of key epigenetic modifications (e.g., DNA methylation, histone modifications) in various cancers.
- Overview of preclinical efficacy of drugs targeting epigenetic mechanisms.
- Demonstration of the potential of epigenetic targets for cancer therapy.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic alterations are fundamental to cancer biology.
- Epigenetic therapeutics show promise in preclinical settings.
- Targeting epigenetic mechanisms offers new avenues for cancer treatment and biomarker development.
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