Deciphering the Cancer Genome and Epigenome to Develop Novel Therapies

The causative links between genomic and genetic variations and cancer are well documented and have provided a greater understanding of tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Molecular genetic information has been used to derive new therapeutic regimens and has accelerated the development and application of "personalised cancer medicine". There are also an increasing appreciation that epigenetic aberrations that are often directly caused by genetic defects resulting in loss- or gain-of-function of epigenetic-regulators also contribute significantly to cancer onset and progression. Indeed, parallel integration of our knowledge of the cancer genome and epigenome using sophisticated "omics-based" technologies and high throughput functional screening techniques are providing even more tangible links between genetic/genomic aberrations, epigenetic/epigenomic dysregulation and tumorigenesis. This information is being functionally validated using experimental models that accurately reflect the underlying genetic and epigenetic alterations observed in human tumor samples. Moreover, the information is being translated into clinical use through the development of genetic and epigenetic biomarkers of cancer development, evolution, heterogeneity and response to therapeutic intervention. This GRC series focuses on the advances in discovering and validating "driver" mutations in cancer genes, understanding the downstream consequences of these genetic changes on the epigenome and how this information is being best utilized to advance cancer detection, monitoring and therapy.