Abstract

CANCER MANAGEMENT BEYOND GENETICS

S. A. Yazhini*

Abstract

Cancer arise from a breakdown in cellular regulation, resulting in uncontrolled proliferation of cells that persists even after the original growth stimuli have stopped. While benign tumors remain localized, malignant forms which is termed as cancer has invasive and metastatic potential. The underlying driver of this uncontrolled cell proliferation are genetic mutations and epigenetic modulation. Genetic mutation serve as the initiators of oncogenesis, disrupting key regulatory genes and promoting continuous cell division. However, the long-term survival, adaptation, and progression of cancer cells are driven by epigenetic modifications. These epigenetic regulators are the components of tumor microenvironment (TME), which supports cancer cell plasticity, immune evasion, and therapeutic resistance. While genetic mutations may initiate cancer, the persistence and progression of the disease are largely governed by TME-mediated epigenetic modulation. This review explores the contribution of TME in sustaining cell proliferation and malignancy and highlights emerging strategies for cancer management through the modulation of the tumor microenvironment.

Keywords: Solid tumor, TME, Epigenetic modulation, Physiological adaptation, Disease modification.