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.

Cellular Signalling
|November 27, 2025
PubMed

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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