TITLE:
Epigenetic Tumor Response to Hypoxia: An Epimutation Pattern and a Method of Multi Targeted Epigenetic Therapy (MTET)
AUTHORS:
M. A. Nezami, Steven Hager, Jessica Garner
KEYWORDS:
Epigenetic, Hypoxia, Epimutations, Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1, Circulatory Tumor DNA, Circulatory Tumor Cells
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Cancer Therapy,
Vol.7 No.4,
April
13,
2016
ABSTRACT: In most cases, cancer develops as a result of non-inheritable somatic
mutations (epimutations), acquired by the individual adult cell, during the
evolution of the cell, and propagated into an expanding clone of progeny of the
cells by natural selection [1]. The role of microenvironment in selection for
such acquired mutations, or epimutations, is a focus of scientific research in
carcinogenesis [2]. Here we describe a defective DNA response to hypoxia due to
epigenetic aberrancies, in cancer cellular biology [3]. We also summarize a
literature review on hypoxia mediated epigenetic responses, and its role in
carcinogenesis and metastasis. Further, we review a novel method of treating
hypoxic solid tumors with a combination of epigenetic modifiers with both in vitro and in vivo results in human, translating to an improved prognosis and
clinical outcome. We propose that this approach both independently and
synergistically (with the current standard of care) can provide an improved
outcome.