International Conference on Gastroenterology

Sessions

Epigenetics and Cancer

Epigenetics refers to the changes in gene expression that occur without changes to the DNA sequence itself. These changes can be influenced by various factors, including environmental factors, lifestyle factors, and aging. Epigenetic changes can have significant effects on the development and progression of cancer. In cancer, epigenetic changes can lead to the activation of oncogenes, which promote cell growth and division, or the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes, which normally prevent abnormal cell growth. These changes can contribute to the development and progression of cancer. Recent research has focused on the development of epigenetic therapies for the treatment of cancer. These therapies aim to reverse the epigenetic changes that have occurred in cancer cells, leading to the reactivation of tumor suppressor genes and the inhibition of oncogene activity. Epigenetic therapies may be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Examples of epigenetic therapies currently in use or under development include DNA methylation inhibitors, histone deacetylase inhibitors, and inhibitors of enzymes involved in chromatin remodeling. These therapies have shown promising results in the treatment of various types of cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, and solid tumors. Overall, the study of epigenetics in cancer has provided new insights into the mechanisms of cancer development and progression, and has led to the development of new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of this complex disease.