Drug resistance

Genomic and epigenomic BRCA alterations predict adaptive resistance and response to platinum-based therapy in patients with triple-negative breast and ovarian carcinomas

https://tinyurl.com/5xw4248z

 

         One of the unsolved issues in ovarian cancer is why some patients are resistant to the normal chemotherapy regime. This article suggests that epigenetic alteration may be a cause.

         Epigenetic change occurs when chemical effects such as methylation cause structural deformity to DNA. The effects of this change to the BRCA gene are similar to mutation. Both groups with BRCA alteration, either due to mutation or epigenetics, have a good response to chemo.

         Exposure of the epigenetically changed BRCA gene to platinum chemo may cause reversal to normal BRCA status. It is suggested that adaption to the effects of chemo in this way can account for unexpected resistance to platinum chemo. This fundamental research may lead to better selection of initial treatment for ovarian cancer.