Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Implementation of In Vitro Drug Resistance Assays: Maximizing the Potential for Uncovering Clinically Relevant Resistance Mechanisms
08:46

Implementation of In Vitro Drug Resistance Assays: Maximizing the Potential for Uncovering Clinically Relevant Resistance Mechanisms

Published on: December 9, 2015

Evolving anticancer drug valproic acid: insights into the mechanism and clinical studies

Roman A Blaheta1, Martin Michaelis, Pablo Hernáiz Driever

  • 1Zentrum der Chirurgie, Klinik für Urologie und Kinderurologie, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

Medicinal Research Reviews
|January 8, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Valproic acid (VPA) shows potent anticancer effects by impacting tumor cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. This review highlights VPA

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Valproic acid (VPA), a short-chain fatty acid, is recognized for its diverse biological effects.
  • Previous research (2002) established VPA's potential as an anticancer agent.
  • Recent studies indicate a growing range of tumor cell types susceptible to VPA.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an updated review of valproic acid's (VPA) anticancer properties.
  • To summarize the expanding evidence for VPA's efficacy against various malignancies.
  • To explore novel therapeutic strategies involving VPA.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of in vitro and clinical studies on valproic acid (VPA).
  • Analysis of VPA's effects on tumor cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, immunogenicity, metastasis, and angiogenesis.
  • Evaluation of VPA in combination therapies for cancer treatment.

Main Results:

  • Valproic acid (VPA) demonstrates broad-spectrum anticancer activity, including in chemoresistant cells.
  • VPA influences key cancer hallmarks: inducing differentiation, inhibiting proliferation, and increasing apoptosis and immunogenicity.
  • VPA reduces tumor metastatic and angiogenic potential.
  • Combination therapies with VPA show promise for a wider therapeutic index.

Conclusions:

  • Valproic acid (VPA) is a promising anticancer drug with established and emerging therapeutic applications.
  • Ongoing clinical studies suggest VPA's potential as a monotherapy or in combination for solid and hematological cancers.
  • The multifaceted mechanisms of VPA warrant further investigation for optimizing cancer treatment strategies.

More Related Videos

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Cancer Drug Sensitization In Vitro and In Vivo09:19

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Cancer Drug Sensitization In Vitro and In Vivo

Published on: February 6, 2015

Related Concept Videos

Pharmacodynamics: Overview and Principles01:21

Pharmacodynamics: Overview and Principles

Pharmacodynamics is a scientific field that delves into drugs' intricate biochemical, cellular, and physiological effects on the human body. The study of pharmacodynamics helps us understand how drugs interact with the body and elicit various responses.
Most drugs' effects result from their interactions with drug receptors or targets within the body. These interactions trigger specific responses at the cellular or systemic level. Drug receptors can be found on the surfaces of cells or within...
Treatment Resistent Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistent Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
Drug Administration and Therapy Phases: Overview01:26

Drug Administration and Therapy Phases: Overview

Drugs, the chemical agents used in diagnosing, treating, or preventing diseases, undergo a four-phase process of development: pharmaceutic, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and therapeutic.
The pharmaceutical phase focuses on leveraging the physicochemical properties of the drug to design and manufacture an effective product. Variants include orally administered tablets or capsules, topical creams or ointments, and parenteral-delivery solutions or emulsions.
The pharmacokinetic phase...
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets01:29

Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets

Advances in genomics have profoundly influenced drug discovery by increasing both the speed and accuracy of pharmaceutical development. Pharmacogenomics, which examines how genetic variation influences drug response, facilitates the identification of novel therapeutic targets and enables patient stratification for personalized treatment. These strategies contribute to improved drug efficacy, minimized adverse effects, and more efficient clinical trial design.Mapping genetic differences...
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Metabolism: Overview01:27

Pharmacogenetics of Drug Metabolism: Overview

Genetic polymorphism in drug metabolism is crucial to the inter-individual variability observed in drug responses. Drug metabolism primarily involves the chemical modification of drugs and other xenobiotics to enhance their elimination by increasing their polarity. Two main classes of enzymes mediate this biotransformation process: Phase I enzymes, primarily cytochrome P450s, catalyze oxidation and reduction reactions, while other enzymes, such as esterases, mediate hydrolysis, and Phase II...
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...