Epigenetic therapies in cancer treatment: Opportunities and challenges

Oluwaseyi Ajibola Fagbemi 1, *, Damilola Samuel Ojo-omoniyi 2, Samuel Imeh Bassey 3, Festus Ikechukwu Ogbozor 4, Onyeyili Ikemefuna Nnamdi 5, Nyerovwo Charity Okei 6 and Sunday Kaura 7

1 Department of Human Anatomy, Federal University Lokoja, Nigeria.
2 Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
3 Department of Biochemistry, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
4 Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Polland.
5 Department of treatment care and support, AIDS Healthcare Foundation Lokoja, Nigeria.
6 Department of Biological Sciences, University of Camerino, Italy.
7 Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Veritas University Abuja, Nigeria.
 
Review
World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2024, 20(03), 454-478.
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjbphs.2024.20.3.1052
Publication history: 
Received on 12 November 2024; revised on 22 December 2024; accepted on 24 December 2024
 
Abstract: 
Epigenetic therapies offer a revolutionary approach to cancer treatment by targeting reversible modifications such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression. FDA-approved drugs like DNA methyltransferase inhibitors and histone deacetylase inhibitors have demonstrated clinical efficacy, particularly in hematologic malignancies, while emerging agents like BET and EZH2 inhibitors show promise in addressing therapeutic gaps in solid tumors. This review delves into these advancements, highlighting the integration of epigenetic drugs with immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies to enhance therapeutic precision and overcome resistance. Moreover, it emphasizes opportunities such as biomarker-driven personalization and liquid biopsy technologies for real-time monitoring, alongside innovations like single-cell epigenomics and CRISPR-based tools that facilitate tumor heterogeneity studies and precise therapeutic interventions. Despite these developments, challenges such as off-target effects, delivery inefficiencies, and regulatory hurdles persist, necessitating further innovation. By integrating epigenetic therapies with RNA-based drugs, nanomedicine, personalized vaccines, 3D epigenomics, and artificial intelligence, this review underscores the transformative potential of these therapies in redefining oncology, offering personalized, durable, and precise solutions to the complexities of cancer.
 
Keywords: 
Epigenetic therapies; Cancer treatment; DNA methylation; Histone modifications; Non-coding RNAs; Tumor microenvironment
 
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