[Infections and epigenetic changes in cancer]

Abstract

The role of epigenetics and infectious diseases at early stages of life influence pre-malignant lesions of cancer, in particular, gastric cancer, one of the most frequent tumours in Chile, Latin America, and worldwide. This article examines the role of H.pylori and epigenetic alterations (i.e. DNA methylation) at early stages of gastric cancer and proposes, from the paediatric point of view, strategies for prevention and early detection.

Keywords: Cáncer gástrico; DNA methylation; Gastric cancer; Helicobacter pylori; Metilación del ADN.