Epigenetic marks, such as DNA methylation and histone-tail modifications, as well as noncoding RNAs, are gathering increasing interest as possible diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers of cancer. In this regard, the possibility to detect DNA methylation changes in circulating free DNA or in other specimens, such as urines, fecal material, or sputum samples from patients suffering from various forms of cancer, has already led to the development of noninvasive diagnostic tools or has been suggested as a potential screening approach for several human cancers. Similarly, many epigenetic changes occurring in cancerous tissues are increasingly considered to be predictors of disease aggressiveness or valid biomarkers for the choice of the most proper treatment. This chapter provides some examples of epigenetic biomarkers that have the potential for use in clinical practice of the major human cancers
Epigenetic Signatures in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Cancer
Coppedè, Fabio
Ultimo
2018-01-01
Abstract
Epigenetic marks, such as DNA methylation and histone-tail modifications, as well as noncoding RNAs, are gathering increasing interest as possible diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers of cancer. In this regard, the possibility to detect DNA methylation changes in circulating free DNA or in other specimens, such as urines, fecal material, or sputum samples from patients suffering from various forms of cancer, has already led to the development of noninvasive diagnostic tools or has been suggested as a potential screening approach for several human cancers. Similarly, many epigenetic changes occurring in cancerous tissues are increasingly considered to be predictors of disease aggressiveness or valid biomarkers for the choice of the most proper treatment. This chapter provides some examples of epigenetic biomarkers that have the potential for use in clinical practice of the major human cancersI documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
