Research advances in DNA methylation and radiosensitivity of cancer cells / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

ABSTRACT

A methylation is one of the important approaches for regulation of gene expression. It plays a role in tumor development and progression and is closely associated with the radiosensitivity of cancer cells. The aberrant DNA methylation in cancer cells can provide biomarkers for early diagnosis of cancer. Moreover, it can contribute to the evaluation of the efficacy of radiotherapy, radiosensitivity enhancement, prognostic assessment, and disease monitoring. In order to provide a theoretical basis for further investigation of the epigenetic mechanisms for radioresistance of cancer cells, this paper reviews the relationship between DNA methylation and radiosensitivity and the potential value of DNA methylation in radiotherapy.