Abstract ED03-04: Using epigenetic biomarkers as prognostic and predictive markers in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the promise of epigenetic therapy

Epigenetic gene silencing mediated through aberrant DNA methylation and histone deacetylation is a key contributor to lung carcinogenesis. We have defined the utility of a panel of promoter region DNA methylation markers as a robust potential molecular system for re-staging stage 1 non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to molecular stage 3 disease. The significance of our finding is that silencing of these gene markers represents not only prognostic markers, but also these genes may serve as potential targets for a unique new epigenetic approach to re-express the silenced genes. We have just completed a phase 2 trial of epigenetic therapy in NSCLC with documented objective responses. The personalization of this therapy with epigenetic biomarkers may make it especially useful for the medically underserved. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2011;20(10 Suppl):ED03-04.