Abstract

Clinical Applications of DNA Methylation Markers: Promises and Pitfalls

Manon Engeland, Professor, Maastricht University

Colorectal cancer has predominantly been considered a genetic disease, characterized by sequential accumulation of genetic alterations. Growing evidence indicates that epigenetic alterations add an additional layer of complexity to the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer, and characterize a subgroup of colorectal cancers with a distinct etiology and prognosis. Here I discuss recent data on epigenetic regulation of gene expression in CRC and describe how the understanding of these processes will alter the management of colorectal cancer. I also discuss the challenges that we face in bringing epigenetic markers to the clinic.