Targeting the epigenome in ovarian cancer

Future Oncol. 2012 Feb;8(2):151-64. doi: 10.2217/fon.11.152.

Abstract

Epithelial ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecological cancers, largely owing to the development of recurrent intractable disease. Only a small number of distinct genetic mutations are known to contribute to ovarian carcinogenesis. Furthermore, understanding mechanistic genotype-phenotype links is complicated by frequent aneuploidy. Epigenetic deregulation is even more prominent, and ovarian cancers are replete with such aberrations that repress tumor suppressors and activate proto-oncogenes. Epigenetic therapies are emerging as promising agents for resensitizing platinum-resistant ovarian cancers. These drugs may also have the potential to alter epigenetic programming in cancer progenitor cells and provide a strategy for improving therapy of ovarian cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Epigenesis, Genetic / drug effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / therapy*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents