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Epigenomic landscape of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Saleh Suleiman Silmi Almohammadin1,2, Rabiatul Basria S M N Mydin3,4, Rosle Bahar5

  • 1Department of Biomedical Sciences, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kepala Batas, 13200, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.

Medical Oncology (Northwood, London, England)
|December 26, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Epigenetic changes in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) involve DNA methylation and histone alterations, impacting gene expression. These epigenetic alterations offer potential for early detection and targeted therapies in NPC treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Epigenetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Epigenetic modifications, including DNA hypermethylation and histone alterations, are key drivers of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) oncogenesis.
  • Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) proteins and environmental factors like nitrosamines and tobacco smoke influence NPC epigenetics.
  • Non-coding RNAs (miRNAs, lncRNAs) also play a role in modulating epigenetic regulators and NPC progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the biological significance of epigenomic alterations in NPC.
  • To explore the diagnostic and prognostic utility of epigenetic markers in NPC.
  • To summarize the therapeutic potential of epigenetic drugs in NPC treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on epigenomic alterations in NPC.
  • Analysis of the role of DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs in NPC.
  • Evaluation of epigenetic biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for NPC.

Main Results:

  • Epigenomic alterations are central to NPC pathogenesis, affecting gene silencing and tumour behaviour.
  • Epigenetic markers show promise as non-invasive tools for NPC diagnosis and prognosis.
  • Epigenetic drugs (HDAC and DNMT inhibitors) demonstrate therapeutic potential by reactivating silenced genes and enhancing treatment sensitivity.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenomic insights provide opportunities for early detection, risk assessment, and targeted NPC therapy.
  • Epigenetic biomarkers and therapeutics are poised to become integral to precision oncology for NPC.
  • Further interdisciplinary research is crucial to translate epigenomic findings into improved patient outcomes for NPC.
Keywords:
BiomarkerCancerDNA methylationEpigeneticNasopharyngeal cancerNasopharyngeal carcinoma

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