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In this article we review many important epigenetic changes in early carcinogenesis and discuss the possibility of these alterations being targeted for therapeutic intervention in the future. Both regional DNA methylation and global chromatin packaging are interrelated partners that function in concert to control gene transcription. We first summarize briefly DNA methylation and its role in gene expression. Then, we focus on how the DNA is packaged into chromatin and the tight relationship between chromatin and DNA methylation. A more complete understanding of these key, regulatory events is vital in approaching a more rational drug therapy to various malignancies.

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A series of nine cases of radiation myelopathy seen at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is reviewed, and their treatment data converted into nominal single doses (NSD) and equivalent single doses (ED). The 1% incidence level of myelopathy in the thoracic cord is 1015 rets (ED), and the 50% incidence level is 1476rets (ED). Caution should be used when utilizing a rapid fractionation schedule; it appears that 2000 rads in 5 fractions and 3000 rads in 10 fractions is a safe regimen for the thoracic spinal cord.

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