Epigenetic marvels: exploring the landscape of colorectal cancer treatment through cutting-edge epigenetic-based drug strategies.

Epigenetics is currently considered the investigation of inheritable changes in gene expression that do not rely on DNA sequence alteration. Significant epigenetic procedures are involved, such as DNA methylations, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA actions. It is confirmed through several investigations that epigenetic changes are associated with the formation, development, and metastasis of various cancers, such as colorectal cancer (CRC). The difference between epigenetic changes and genetic mutations is that the former could be reversed or prevented; therefore, cancer treatment and prevention could be achieved by restoring abnormal epigenetic events within the neoplastic cells. These treatments, consequently, cause the anti-tumour effects augmentation, drug resistance reduction, and host immune response stimulation. In this article, we begin our survey by exploring basic epigenetic mechanisms to understand epigenetic tools and strategies for treating colorectal cancer in monotherapy and combination with chemotherapy or immunotherapy.