Targeting epigenetic methylation: emerging diagnosis and therapeutic strategies in cancer

Epigenetics shapes all aspects of cancer occurrence and progression. Among them, chromatin methylation is a particularly important regulator of oncogenic processes. The dynamic shifts in methylation can influence the development or death of tumor cells. In the therapeutic context, effectively targeting and modulating DNA, RNA, and histone methylation brings promise for the early detection, prognostic assessment, and treatment of cancer. In particular, novel methylation inhibitors or modulators powerfully kill tumor cells or improve existing therapeutic strategies through different signaling pathways, thereby improving patient prognosis and survival. The discussion of the role of methylation in early cancer screening, therapeutic resistance in tumors, approaches to treating cancer, and cancer patient prognosis, while also providing data about the clinical application of methylation-focused strategies and interventions. These efforts are shaped by an overall framework focused on the mechanisms responsible for regulating methylation and targeting biomarkers. Together, this article provides insights into how methylation-driven approaches can be leveraged for early cancer detection, overcoming therapy resistance, and tailoring personalized treatments.