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Epigenetics in cancer: what's the future?

Yanis Boumber1, Jean-Pierre J Issa

  • 1Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.

Oncology (Williston Park, N.Y.)
|May 10, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Epigenetic drugs targeting DNA methylation and histone modifications offer less toxic cancer treatments. Ongoing research explores novel agents and combination therapies to overcome challenges like resistance and improve solid tumor responses.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Epigenetics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Epigenetics involves stable gene expression changes without altering DNA sequence, primarily through DNA methylation and histone modifications.
  • Epigenome disruption is a key mechanism in cancer development.
  • Several FDA-approved epigenetic drugs, including azacitidine and vorinostat, show efficacy and reduced toxicity compared to conventional chemotherapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent clinical and translational data in cancer epigenetics.
  • To highlight the therapeutic potential of epigenetic agents in cancer treatment.
  • To discuss challenges and future directions in the field.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent clinical trial data.
  • Analysis of translational research findings.
  • Examination of preclinical studies on novel epigenetic agents.

Main Results:

  • Approved epigenetic drugs like azacitidine, decitabine, vorinostat, and romidepsin have demonstrated survival benefits.
  • Combination therapies involving DNA methylation and histone deacetylase inhibitors show promising results.
  • Emerging data are identifying molecular determinants of clinical response to epigenetic therapies.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetic therapies represent a significant advancement in cancer treatment, offering improved survival and reduced toxicity.
  • Challenges such as lack of predictive markers, unclear response mechanisms, and limited efficacy in solid tumors persist.
  • Ongoing preclinical research with novel epigenetic agents holds promise for future cancer therapy development.

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