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Establishment and Characterization of Three Afatinib-resistant Lung Adenocarcinoma PC-9 Cell Lines Developed with Increasing Doses of Afatinib
Published on: June 26, 2019
Epigenetics modulation of drug resistance pathways in advanced lung cancer
Usamah Sayed1, Amina Dawood Suleman2, Shaker Al-Hasnaawei3
1Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Hourani Center for Applied Scientific Research, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan.
Abstract:
The emergence of therapeutic resistance represents a fundamental barrier to successful long-term management of advanced lung cancer, contributing significantly to cancer-related mortality worldwide. This comprehensive review synthesizes current understanding of how Epigenetics mechanisms-including DNA methylation patterning, histone post-translational modifications, and non-coding RNA regulatory networks-orchestrate diverse resistance pathways to conventional chemotherapy, molecularly targeted agents, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. This article discusses the mechanisms malignant cells exploit Epigenetics plasticity to silence tumor suppressor genes, activate alternative survival signaling cascades, and remodel the tumor microenvironment, thereby conferring resilience to therapeutic pressure. However, the clinical translation of Epigenetics therapies faces substantial challenges, including narrow therapeutic indices, off-target effects, pharmacokinetic limitations, and profound tumor heterogeneity. Looking forward, we highlight promising avenues for overcoming these constraints through the development of next-generation Epigenetics drugs with improved specificity, and the implementation of Epigenetics biomarker-guided personalized combination regimens. These advances hold significant potential to redefine therapeutic paradigms and improve outcomes for patients with advanced lung cancer.
Insights
Epigenetic mechanisms drive resistance to lung cancer therapies. Future treatments may overcome this by targeting epigenetic plasticity with precision therapies and biomarkers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Therapeutic resistance is a major challenge in advanced lung cancer management.
- Epigenetic mechanisms play a crucial role in developing resistance to various cancer treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review how epigenetic mechanisms contribute to resistance against chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy in lung cancer.
- To discuss challenges and future directions for epigenetic therapies in lung cancer.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of epigenetic mechanisms in lung cancer resistance.
- Analysis of DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs in therapeutic resistance.
Main Results:
- Malignant cells utilize epigenetic plasticity to evade therapeutic effects.
- Epigenetic changes facilitate gene silencing, activate survival pathways, and alter the tumor microenvironment.
Conclusions:
- Clinical application of current epigenetic therapies is limited by toxicity and heterogeneity.
- Next-generation epigenetic drugs and biomarker-guided combinations offer promise for improved lung cancer treatment outcomes.
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