Perspectives from the field of molecular epigenetics for diagnosis, prognosis, follow up and therapy of cancer

Epigenetics, in modern times introduced by Conrad Hal Waddington (1942, British developmental biologist) opens up a new perspective on the regulation of our genes and the influence of environmental factors. If we understand these relationships, we can consciously influence the regulation of our genes. A new, far-reaching perspective that serves as a corrective to today’s gene-centric biology. DNA methylation the best investigated epigenetic mechanism so far, is involved in the annotation and reorganization of the genome and participates in the control of the outcome of the genetic content of a particular cell. Thus, it is decisively contributing to directed cell type specific functionality and phenotype. We take advantage of this, and use consistent cancer cell specific DNA methylation differences to diagnose, prognose, follow-up and therapy cancer.