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DNA demethylating agents and epigenetic therapy of cancer

Samson Mani1, Zdenko Herceg

  • 1International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France.

Advances in Genetics
|October 6, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Epigenetic drugs targeting DNA methylation and histone modifications offer reversible cancer therapies. Recent advances focus on these agents, including combination therapies, for clinical application in cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Epigenetics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, are crucial in tumor development and progression.
  • These changes are gradual and potentially reversible, distinguishing them from genetic mutations.
  • The reversibility of epigenetic changes makes them promising therapeutic targets for cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in the development of epigenetic drugs.
  • To focus specifically on agents that inhibit DNA methylation.
  • To discuss combinatorial therapies involving DNA demethylating agents and histone deacetylase inhibitors.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature on epigenetic drugs.
  • Analysis of agents targeting DNA methylation patterns.
  • Evaluation of clinical trial data for epigenetic therapies.

Main Results:

  • Numerous epigenetic agents capable of altering DNA methylation and histone modifications have been identified.
  • Many of these agents are in clinical trials, with some already in clinical use.
  • Combinatorial approaches, such as pairing demethylating agents with histone deacetylase inhibitors, show therapeutic promise.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetic drugs, particularly those inhibiting DNA methylation, represent a significant therapeutic strategy for cancer.
  • The reversibility of epigenetic modifications offers a unique advantage over traditional genetic therapies.
  • Combination epigenetic therapies are advancing cancer treatment paradigms.

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