Epigenetic events in male common urogenital organs cancer

Abstract

Cancer is a disease initiated and propelled forward by the accumulation and interaction of genetic and epigenetic mutations of genes involved in the regulation of cell signaling and growth. Epigenetics refers to the heritable alterations in gene expression, not attributable to changes in DNA sequence. The two predominant epigenetic mechanisms are DNA methylation and histone modification. The role of epigenetics in the regulation of gene expression has been considered as a basic pathway in the progression and pathogenesis of various malignancies, such as cancers of the urogenital organs. Recently, several studies have focused on the epigenetics of male urogenital system cancers. Epigenetic modifications in the DNA of cancer patients and precancerous lesions provide the promise of novel biomarkers for early cancer prediction, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response. In addition, numerous epigenetic modifications represent a potential goal of novel therapeutic strategies and treatment design. Ultimately, pioneering diagnostic methods and treatment regimens probably will be based on epigenetic mechanisms and included into medical practices that address the needs of patients with male urogenital organ cancers.