title: Epigenetics in diagnosis, prognostic assessment and treatment of cancer: an update.
abstract: Cancer cells contain multiple genetic and epigenetic changes. The relative specificity of many epigenetic changes for neoplastic cells has allowed the identification of diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers for a number of solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Moreover, epigenetically-acting drugs are already in routine use for cancer and numerous additional agents are in clinical trials. Here, we review recent progress in the development and application of epigenetic strategies for the diagnosis, risk stratification and treatment of cancer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Haematology, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
authors.forename: Eleftheria
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hatzimichael
authors.affiliation: Department of Haematology, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
authors.forename: Konstantinos
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lagos
authors.affiliation: Dundee Cancer Center, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK.
authors.forename: Van Ren
authors.initials: VR
authors.lastname: Sim
authors.affiliation: Department of Haematology, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
authors.forename: Evangelos
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Briasoulis
authors.affiliation: Dundee Cancer Center, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK.
authors.forename: Tim
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Crook
keywords: acetylation; cancer; diagnosis; epigenetics; hematological malignancies; hypomethylating agents; methylation; treatment