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Epigenetic-based therapy: From single- to multi-target approaches

Rosaria Benedetti1, Mariarosaria Conte1, Concetta Iside1

  • 1Dipartimento di Biochimica, Biofisica e Patologia Generale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Vico L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Napoli, Italy.

The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology
|October 24, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Cancer treatment is shifting from single-target drugs to network-based therapies. This review explores the benefits and drawbacks of single-target versus multi-target epi-drug approaches for cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Epigenetics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Traditional cancer treatment focused on single molecular targets.
  • Cancer is now understood as a complex, multi-factorial disease involving genetic, epigenetic, and metabolic alterations.
  • This complexity necessitates a shift in therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evolution of anti-cancer drug discovery from single-target to network-active compounds.
  • To compare the advantages and disadvantages of single-target and multi-target epi-drug approaches.
  • To provide examples of current therapeutic options in epi-drug discovery.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of anti-cancer therapeutic strategies.
  • Analysis of the transition in epi-drug discovery from single-target to network-active compounds.
  • Comparative evaluation of single-target and multi-target epi-drug approaches.

Main Results:

  • The field of epi-drug discovery is transitioning towards network-active compounds.
  • Both single-target and multi-target epi-drug strategies have distinct pros and cons.
  • Combination therapies, including epi-drugs with other agents, are gaining prominence.

Conclusions:

  • The shift towards network-based and combination therapies reflects a more holistic understanding of cancer.
  • Multi-target and network-active epi-drugs offer potential advantages in tackling cancer's complexity.
  • Further research is needed to optimize these advanced therapeutic strategies.
Keywords:
Cancer therapyDrug discoveryEpigeneticsMulti epi-target approachesSingle epi-target approaches

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