Role of epigenetic mechanisms in various cancer therapies

Abstract

Epigenetics play a role not just in the normal functioning of the cell and its development, but also in diseases like neurological diseases and cancer. Epigenetic therapies can help to resolve non-identical problems of these pathophysiological conditions. Cancer is a complex disease with both genetic and epigenetic origins. The importance of epigenetics in cancer has been identified, and the field has emerged rapidly in recent years. Epigenetic and genetic alterations contribute to the initiation and progression of cancer. Epigenetic modifications introduced genetic changes, and usually occur at an early stage in development of a neoplasm, but may also be involved in its invasion and spread. Recent technological advances in genetics and epigenetics offer a better understanding of the underlying epigenetic alterations during initiation and in the progression process of the human tumors.