Histone deacetylase inhibitors as radiosensitisers: effects on DNA damage signalling and repair

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Measuring DNA Damage and Repair in Mouse Splenocytes After Chronic In Vivo Exposure to Very Low Doses of Beta- and Gamma-Radiation
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B Groselj1, N L Sharma, F C Hamdy

  • 1Department of Oncology, Gray Institute for Radiation Oncology and Biology, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Off Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK.

British Journal of Cancer
|January 31, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) enhance cancer radiotherapy by affecting DNA damage repair. This review explores HDACi

Area of Science:

  • Epigenetics
  • Cancer Biology
  • Radiation Oncology

Background:

  • Cancers often exhibit increased histone deacetylases (HDACs), leading to inactive chromatin and suppressed tumor suppressor genes.
  • Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) are epigenetic drugs with demonstrated anticancer effects.
  • HDACi show particular promise in radiosensitizing cancer cells when combined with radiotherapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evidence for combining HDAC inhibitors with irradiation.
  • To focus on the in vitro effects of HDACi on DNA damage signaling and repair.
  • To summarize clinical evidence for HDACi and radiotherapy combinations.

Main Methods:

  • Exploration of current evidence on HDACi and irradiation combinations.
  • Focus on in vitro studies of HDACi's impact on DNA damage response pathways.
  • Summary of existing clinical trial data for combined modality treatment.

Main Results:

  • HDACi influence DNA damage signaling and repair mechanisms in cancer cells.
  • Pre-clinical and clinical data suggest radiosensitizing effects of HDACi.
  • Combination of HDACi with radiotherapy is a promising therapeutic strategy.

Conclusions:

  • HDAC inhibitors represent a valuable addition to radiotherapy for cancer treatment.
  • Understanding HDACi's role in DNA repair is crucial for optimizing combination therapies.
  • Further clinical investigation of HDACi and radiotherapy is warranted.

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