Targeting the Epigenetic Landscape for Cancer Therapy

The role of epigenetics, focusing on changes in gene functions unrelated to DNA sequence, is becoming increasingly evident in cancer initiation, progression, metastasis and treatment. Here, we highlight the role of chromatin, DNA methylation, histone acetylation and histone methylation in gene regulation and their contribution to oncogenesis. The paper examines the potential of targeting epigenetic modifications like DNMTs, HDACs and HMTs as cancer treatments, encompassing their impact on gene expression and various apoptotic pathways as well as their clinical implications. Recently, the use of this knowledge has resulted in various FDA-approved drugs such as 5-azacytidine, suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid and many more. Additionally, it explores how traditional medicines rich in flavonoids contain active compounds such as kaempferol, curcumin and quercetin, which could affect cancer-related epigenetic changes. The need for validation, standardisation and collaboration between traditional healers and scientists is stressed, concluding that merging traditional medicine with scientific research holds the potential for advancing cancer therapies.