The role of epigenetics in malignant pleural mesothelioma

a b s t r a c t Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an almost invariably fatal cancer of the pleura due to asbestos exposure. Increasing evidence indicates that unresponsiveness to chemotherapy is due to epigenetic errors leading to inadequate gene expression in tumor cells. The availability of compounds that modulate epigenetic modifications, such as histone acetylation or DNA methylation, offers new prospects for treatment of MPM. Here, we review latest findings on epigenetics in mesothelioma and present novel strategies for promising epigenetic therapies. © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.