Epigenetic biomarkers in cancer diagnosis: advances and challenges in laboratory medicine

Authors

Keywords:

BIOMARKERS, EPIGENOMICS, LABORATORY, HEALTH, METHYLATION.

Abstract

Introduction: Epigenetic biomarkers allow us to add a system of modifications to DNA within the information of genes, which will contribute to whether or not the same gene is expressed in different tissues or cells of the organism.

Objective:  Define the behavior of epigenetic biomarkers in cancer diagnosis in terms of advances and challenges in laboratory medicine.

Methods: A search was conducted in databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scielo for articles published from January 1, 2023, to October 10, 2024. The PRISMA framework was used to systematize this selection. Finally, 19 articles were included.

Development: DNA methylation is the most important epigenetic mark due to its versatility in analyzing DNA regions. Regarding technology, epigenetic software has been developed that facilitates the location of the methylation site. Through the analysis of this study, it has been determined that the concentration of the β-HCG hormone shows a direct relationship with the aggressiveness of the cancer, which is why it is used as a tumor biomarker in various types of cancer. With these precedents, it is anticipated that epigenetic biomarkers will provide more information about the progression and metastasis of the cancer in which they are applied.

Conclusions: Future studies on their role in other cancers will provide further insight into the role of epigenetic biomarkers in cancer progression and metastasis.

 

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References

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Published

2025-05-27

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1.
Moina-Veloz Álvaro P, Ortiz-Vásquez VM, Chiluiza-Tubon DC, Maldonado-Carrasco JA. Epigenetic biomarkers in cancer diagnosis: advances and challenges in laboratory medicine. Rev Ciencias Médicas [Internet]. 2025 May 27 [cited 2025 Dec. 9];29(1):e6789. Available from: https://revcmpinar.sld.cu/index.php/publicaciones/article/view/6789

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Vol. 29 No. 1 (2025): Publicación Continua

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