While the role of epigenetics is still under investigation in a variety of diseases, positive data has been published regarding epigenetics in cancer therapies, specifically for liquid tumors. Evidence has shown that the epigenetic silencing of key genes – such as tumor suppressor genes – may be reversible, giving experts hope that epigenetic approaches to cancer therapy could not only treat cancer, but also help to prevent it. Instead of using molecules that kill tumor cells (and, often, healthy cells in the process), epigenetic therapies “reactivate” silenced genes to restore the natural mechanisms that control abnormal cell growth.

Several leading oncology organizations and research institutes are now focusing more heavily on the field. For example, within the next few weeks, charter members of the International Human Epigenome Project (IHEP), an international effort proposed by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), plan to publish results from their first meeting, held in July. Keep your eye out for these results as well as more attention to the field during the upcoming America Society of Hematology (ASH) meeting in December.