Epigenetics of ovarian cancer: From the lab to the clinic

Objective. Ovarian cancer remains the most lethal gynaecological cancer. Various molecular changes have been identified and have shown promise for their diagnostic, prognostic and curative capacity but still need further validation. Among different mechanisms, the present article reviews the importance of epigenetic changes in ovarian cancer. Methods. Recent literature relevant to epigenetics of ovarian cancer has been reviewed. Results. Greater insight into the epigenetic phenomena DNA methylation, histone modification and posttranscriptional gene downregulation by microRNAs is provided. In addition, the contribution of epigenetic control of gene expression to ovarian oncology is analysed and its potential in the clinic is considered. Conclusions. Although the epigenetics of ovarian cancer is still in its beginnings, it holds promising potential in early stage ovarian cancer detection, evaluation of prognosis/drug resistance and targeted cancer treatment. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.