Exploring Epigenetics and Cancer: A Comprehensive Review
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Chapter 1: Understanding Cancer Beyond Molecular Biology
This article draws heavily on insights from Evgeni, M.S./PhD in Applied Math & Pure Math, who boasts 25 years of experience in chemical engineering, biophysics, and cell biology. It is not intended to be a rigorously scientific examination, but rather a discussion of an underrepresented perspective in cancer treatment.
Cancer is often viewed as the ultimate challenge in 21st-century biology. In Western cultures, it is treated as an adversary, approached through advances in biology and technology. With a market value of $158 billion, global cancer therapies primarily focus on addressing the disease at a molecular and cellular level, employing genetic and protein therapies to bolster the immune system against various cancer forms.
Reflecting on Western pharmaceutical attitudes toward health, the culturally ingrained belief that a pill, treatment, or injection can magically cure cancer is a misconception… until it isn’t. Significant advancements in genetic and protein-based therapies have led to remarkable successes. Currently, there are over 1,100 oncology drugs available for clinical use.¹
Despite the encouraging expansion of the cancer therapeutic market, it is crucial not to overlook a fundamental reality: lifestyle factors in the U.S. often contribute to cancer risks, including poor diet, lack of exercise, high smoking rates, and chronic stress, which can lead to elevated cortisol levels.²
While cutting-edge research predominantly examines cancer from a microbiological standpoint, a systems biology perspective combined with a Lamarckian interpretation of evolution can shed light on how epigenetic changes driven by dietary, cognitive, and environmental factors play a significant yet undervalued role in the modern prevalence of cancer in the U.S. This article will briefly explore Darwinian and Lamarckian selection, epigenetic reprogramming, and the impact of habitual choices on cancer development.
Section 1.1: Darwinian and Lamarckian Perspectives on Selection
Changes in DNA composition are critical in understanding cancer, as the root cause of most cancers lies in an unstable genome. It is essential to recognize that the genomic variations in cancer cells from one patient can differ dramatically from those in another, even if both have the same type of cancer. This cellular genomic heterogeneity poses challenges for cutting-edge meta-analytic research in oncology today.³
When cells compete for resources, they undergo two types of selection:
- Darwinian Selection: This involves random mutations in DNA, where the most adaptive variations prevail and are passed on.
- Lamarckian Selection: This refers to epigenetic changes influenced by environmental factors, which can be inherited by daughter cells. This view suggests that if an organism adapts during its life to better suit its environment, those adaptations may be transmitted to its offspring.
The latter perspective is often overlooked. There are substantial and unpredictable variations in epigenetic changes among individuals. Therefore, pursuing a universal gene therapy for specific cancers may be ineffective without considering personalized epigenetic differences.
Consequently, if one seeks a one-size-fits-all solution for a particular cancer type, the heterogeneous DNA profiles across individuals and populations present a significant barrier to developing a widely applicable treatment.
Section 1.2: The Role of Epigenetic Reprogramming
Epigenetic changes involve alterations in gene expression that can be inherited by daughter cells without modifying the underlying DNA. A notable example is DNA methylation, which entails adding a methyl group, or "chemical cap," to segments of the DNA, thereby inhibiting the expression of certain genes.
Each cancer case is unique due to the specific epigenetic reprogramming algorithms that cancer cells follow, influenced by an individual's history and environment. The extent and causal nature of these relationships remain subjects of debate. However, it is evident that various factors, including a patient's developmental history, medications, environmental exposures, and, crucially, dietary choices, contribute to epigenetic reprogramming.
Psychological factors also play a role in gene expression. Chronic stress and anxiety can induce physiological responses, such as elevated cortisol levels, which, when prolonged, can lead to systemic inflammation and exacerbate existing health issues. This often underappreciated reality indicates that stress-related thought patterns can contribute to the emergence or worsening of numerous diseases—estimates suggest this applies to about 75% to 90% of cases.⁴
Fear and stress can trigger the fight-or-flight response, causing the body to divert energy away from systems like the immune response. Prolonged stress can weaken the immune system, resulting in epigenetic variations that may lead to uncontrolled tumor growth.
Chapter 2: The Impact of Lifestyle Choices on Cancer
Diet and smoking are responsible for approximately 65% of cancer cases.⁵ The widespread prevalence of obesity correlates with findings indicating that dietary habits are linked to overall mortality in cancer patients.¹ The habitual choices we make regarding food intake are closely connected to significant changes in DNA methylation; we can substantially influence our genetic profiles through what we consume.
Moreover, the financial strain associated with cancer treatment is profound; nearly 42.4% of cancer patients exhaust their life savings within two years of diagnosis.⁶ This underscores the systemic nature of cancer as a disease, aligning with the principles of systems biology.
To effectively prevent cancer, it is essential to adopt a holistic approach that includes smoking cessation, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, moderate alcohol consumption, caloric restriction, regular exercise, minimizing sun exposure, reducing meat intake, utilizing whole grains, receiving vaccinations, and attending routine health check-ups.
To adequately tackle cancer, it is imperative to consider the systems surrounding the individual, integrating environmental factors into our evaluations. Epigenetic screenings are vital for achieving our objectives: identifying the full range of human cancer genome alterations, discovering cancer biomarkers, and tailoring therapeutic strategies accordingly.³ Without a combined approach, we risk misidentifying fundamental causes.
Video Description: This video titled "Deciphering Cancer: The Intersection of Epigenetics, Metabolism, and Tumorigenesis" delves into the complex relationships between epigenetic changes, metabolic processes, and tumor formation, offering insights into how these factors interconnect in cancer development.
Video Description: The "Epigenetics" video explains the fundamental principles of epigenetics, showcasing how environmental factors and lifestyle choices can influence gene expression and contribute to various health outcomes, including cancer.