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Targeting epigenetics for the treatment of prostate cancer: recent progress and future directions

Jianqing Lin1, Chenguang Wang, Wm Kevin Kelly

  • 1Department of Medical Oncology, Jefferson Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. Jianqing.lin@jefferson.edu

Seminars in Oncology
|June 29, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Epigenetic drugs targeting DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylases show promise for prostate cancer. New oral agents and combinations with other therapies are under development for better treatment outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Epigenetics
  • Prostate Cancer Research

Background:

  • Epigenetic alterations are key drivers in prostate cancer development and progression.
  • Targeting DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylases (HDACs) has shown limited success in solid tumors compared to hematologic malignancies.
  • Development of novel, less toxic, and more specific epigenetic agents is ongoing for prostate cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of epigenetic aberrations in prostate cancer.
  • To discuss the challenges and advancements in targeting epigenetic modifiers in prostate cancer.
  • To explore promising therapeutic strategies involving epigenetic agents in prostate cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on epigenetic aberrations in prostate cancer.
  • Analysis of therapeutic strategies targeting DNA methyltransferase and HDACs.
  • Discussion of emerging oral agents and combination therapies.

Main Results:

  • Epigenetic modifications are significant in prostate cancer carcinogenesis and progression.
  • Existing epigenetic therapies have shown limited efficacy in solid tumors like prostate cancer.
  • Newer, oral, and more specific epigenetic agents are emerging.
  • Combination therapies, including epigenetic agents with androgen receptor signaling inhibitors, are promising.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetic aberrations are crucial in prostate cancer.
  • Targeting epigenetic mechanisms remains a challenge but holds therapeutic potential.
  • Novel oral epigenetic agents and combination strategies offer promising avenues for prostate cancer treatment.

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