Emerging Epigenetic-Based Nanotechnology for Cancer Therapy: Modulating the Tumor Microenvironment

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Epigenetics
• Cancer Biology

Background:

• Epigenetic dysregulation drives abnormal transcription, influencing the tumor microenvironment.
• This contributes to cancer progression, drug resistance, and metastasis.
• Current epigenetic therapies face challenges with toxicity and limited efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of epigenetic processes in cancer.
• To describe epigenetic regulation of the tumor microenvironment.
• To highlight advanced epigenetic drug delivery systems for cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of epigenetic mechanisms (DNA methylation, histone modification, noncoding RNAs).
• Analysis of epigenetic regulation within the tumor microenvironment.
• Examination of epigenetic modulators and drug delivery systems in antitumor therapy.

Main Results:

• Epigenetic modifications are key drivers of tumor microenvironment alterations.
• Targeting epigenetic dysregulation in tumor and immune cells is a promising strategy.
• Epigenetic-based drug delivery systems offer potential for improved tumor targeting.

Conclusions:

• Epigenetic mechanisms significantly influence cancer progression and treatment response.
• Advanced drug delivery systems are crucial for enhancing the efficacy of epigenetic therapies.
• Targeting the tumor microenvironment epigenetically holds therapeutic potential.