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The potential role of epigenetic therapy in multiple myeloma

Emma M Smith1, Kevin Boyd, Faith E Davies

  • 1Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, UK.

British Journal of Haematology
|November 17, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, drive cancer development, particularly multiple myeloma. Epigenetic therapies show promise in targeting these changes for cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Epigenetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, are crucial in cancer development.
  • Multiple myeloma, a plasma cell malignancy, exhibits specific epigenetic alterations impacting gene expression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of epigenetic alterations in cancer pathogenesis, focusing on multiple myeloma.
  • To highlight recent findings on epigenetic therapeutic agents in preclinical and clinical settings.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on epigenetic mechanisms in cancer.
  • Analysis of studies investigating DNA methylation, histone methyltransferases, and histone deacetylases in multiple myeloma.
  • Examination of data from laboratory studies and clinical trials of epigenetic drugs.

Main Results:

  • Aberrant DNA methylation silences tumor suppressor genes (e.g., VHL, TP53) in myeloma.
  • Dysregulation of histone methylation (MMSET overexpression, UTX mutations) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) are implicated in myeloma.
  • Histone deacetylase inhibitors show efficacy in preclinical models and clinical trials, especially in combination therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetic dysregulation is a key driver in multiple myeloma pathogenesis.
  • Epigenetic therapies, particularly HDAC inhibitors, represent promising therapeutic strategies for multiple myeloma.
  • Targeting epigenetic modifications offers novel drugable targets for cancer treatment.

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