Can Genetic and Epigenetic Changes Lead to Resistance?
Yes, both genetic and epigenetic changes can contribute to chemotherapy resistance. Genetic changes include mutations, amplifications, or deletions of genes involved in drug metabolism, DNA repair, and apoptosis. Epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation and histone modification, can alter gene expression without changing the DNA sequence, leading to the silencing of tumor suppressor genes or activation of oncogenes that promote resistance.
