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Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Simultaneous Measurement of HDAC1 and HDAC6 Activity in HeLa Cells Using UHPLC-MS
Published on: August 10, 2017
Emerging role of the histone deacetylase inhibitor romidepsin in hematologic malignancies
Nitin Jain1, Olatoyosi Odenike
1Department of Medicine, University of Chicago Cancer Research Center, IL 60637, USA.
Importance Of The Field:
Histone acetylation plays a crucial role in chromatin modification and the regulation of gene expression. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) are a novel class of antitumor agents with pleiotropic effects; they are under active clinical investigation. The HDACi romidepsin is being evaluated in a variety of tumors and was recently approved for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL).
Areas Covered In This Review:
This review focuses on the findings from early Phase trials involving romidepsin, and the Phase II trial results that led to the approval of romidepsin in CTCL.
What The Reader Will Gain:
Mechanisms of action of HDACi, including romidepsin, are described in this review and the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of romidepsin are summarized. The efficacy and safety profile of romidepsin in clinical trials in T-cell lymphoma is reviewed, and emerging data on single-agent and combination strategies in myeloid and B-lymphoid malignancies is outlined.
Take Home Message:
Romidepsin has significant activity and an acceptable safety profile in CTCL and peripheral T-cell lymphomas. Its use in rationally designed combination approaches is under active investigation in B-lymphoid malignancies.
Insights
Romidepsin, a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi), shows significant activity and an acceptable safety profile in treating cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL). Further research is exploring its use in combination therapies for other lymphoid malignancies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Histone acetylation is key to gene expression regulation.
- Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) are promising antitumor agents.
- Romidepsin, an HDACi, is approved for cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review romidepsin's clinical trial findings.
- To summarize romidepsin's efficacy and safety in T-cell lymphomas.
- To outline emerging data in other lymphoid malignancies.
Main Methods:
- Focus on early-phase and Phase II trial results for romidepsin.
- Review of romidepsin's mechanisms of action.
- Summary of pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties.
Main Results:
- Romidepsin demonstrates significant activity in CTCL and peripheral T-cell lymphomas.
- An acceptable safety profile was observed in clinical trials.
- Emerging data suggests potential in combination strategies for myeloid and B-lymphoid malignancies.
Conclusions:
- Romidepsin is effective and safe for CTCL and peripheral T-cell lymphomas.
- Combination therapies with romidepsin are under investigation for B-lymphoid malignancies.
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