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Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Assays for Validating Histone Acetyltransferase Inhibitors
Published on: August 6, 2020
A work in progress: the clinical development of histone deacetylase inhibitors
Silvia Marsoni1, Giovanna Damia, Gabriella Camboni
1SENDO Foundation, Milano, Italy. marsonis@sendo-org.it
Abstract:
It has been widely recognized that histone deacetylases (HDAC) are promising targets in the field of oncology. An impressive body of preclinical research points to the ability of HDAC inhibitors (HDACIs) to modulate a wide variety of cellular functions, including cell differentiation, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, cytoskeletal modifications and angiogenesis. Originally developed as epigenetic drugs because of their ability to inhibit histones deacetylation, HDACIs are now being considered also because of their effects on other acetylation-regulated proteins with pivotal roles in transformed cells. This review will highlight the clinical development of HDACIs in oncology and will try to discuss the several major open clinical issues challenging the successful clinical development of HDACIs, with a particular emphasis on the spectrum of activity of these agents, the best development strategy in solid tumors, the cardiac side effects and bio-markers to be used in clinical trials.
Insights
Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) show promise in oncology by affecting cell functions and protein acetylation. This review discusses their clinical development, challenges, and strategies for solid tumors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epigenetics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Histone deacetylases (HDAC) are recognized oncology targets.
- HDAC inhibitors (HDACIs) modulate diverse cellular functions like apoptosis and angiogenesis.
- HDACIs affect epigenetic regulation and other acetylation-dependent processes in cancer cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical development of HDACIs in oncology.
- To discuss challenges in HDACIs' clinical translation.
- To emphasize spectrum of activity, solid tumor strategies, cardiac effects, and biomarkers.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies on HDACIs in oncology.
- Analysis of clinical trial data and outcomes.
- Discussion of current challenges and future directions for HDACIs.
Main Results:
- HDACIs demonstrate broad preclinical activity affecting multiple cancer hallmarks.
- Clinical development faces challenges including defining optimal use in solid tumors.
- Cardiac side effects and biomarker identification are critical areas for investigation.
Conclusions:
- HDACIs represent a promising class of epigenetic drugs in oncology.
- Addressing clinical development challenges is crucial for successful therapeutic application.
- Further research on efficacy, safety, and predictive biomarkers is warranted for HDACIs.
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