State of methylation and epigenome studies in some types of head and neck cancer

Abstract

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas (OSCC) are one of the most frequent cancers in the world. This term is used to describe malignant tumors of the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx, with a high incidence and mortality. Deregulation of genetic expression is a common process; however, to this we must also add epigenetic modifications, which consist of histone changes, altered expression of miRNAs and aberrant DNA methylation. The main purpose of this study is to review the methylation promoter genes in OSCC and to determine the degree of methylation in these types of tumors, in addition to analyzing the latest studies on the usefulness of these genes as epigenetic markers for early detection and to determine the recurrence of the disease and offer new treatment options.