Ovarian & Endometrial Cancers

Abstract

Endometrial and ovarian cancers are the most frequent and lethal gynecologic malignancies. These cancers have both genetic and epigenetic backgrounds like cancers in various tissues and organs. Genetic alterations lead to these tumors has been defined for a long time and continuing to be defined. Epigenetic modifications have also been suggested to play a significant role in various types of cancers including ovarian and endometrial cancers. Besides, epigenetic mechanisms are potentially reversible and that makes them attractive targets for treatment in comparison with DNA mutations. Therefore, this chapter introduces and reviews the role of epigenetic mechanisms in ovarian and endometrial cancers and summarizes the investigations of alterations in DNA methylation pattern including global and gene-specific methylation, role of histones, their modifications, and the function of ncRNAs in development and progression of those cancers. Additionally, epigenetic therapy alternatives for cancers ovarian and endometrial cancers are briefly discussed. © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.