Epigenetic Changes in Carcinogenesis of Gallbladder

Abstract

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a lethal and a common malignancy affecting mostly females. There are restricted high incidence pockets across the world and in northern India highest incidence of GBC is reported from the Gangetic belt. The etiology of this disease remains largely unknown though several risk factors have been stated. The genetic aberrations in GBC involving mutations in tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes have been reported in literature. However, there is scarcity of data regarding epigenetic changes that may also be involved in gallbladder carcinogenesis. This review attempts to summarize our current understanding of the epigenetic changes in GBC. © 2013 Indian Association of Surgical Oncology.