CASP8 and cancer: As previously mentioned, the gene encoding procaspase-8 (Casp8) is silenced by methylation in several cancers, such as small cell lung cancer and neuroblastomas;184 treatment with another class of epigenetic drugs, the demethylating agents such as 5-azacytidine can reverse this effect, thereby enhancing the potential for caspase-8-mediated apoptosis.27