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Epigenetic therapy approaches in non-small cell lung cancer: Update and perspectives

Insa Schiffmann1,2, Gabriele Greve1,3, Manfred Jung4,5

  • 1a Division of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation , University of Freiburg, Medical Center , Freiburg , Germany.

Epigenetics
|November 16, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Epigenetic therapies show promise for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) when combined with traditional treatments. This review explores preclinical and clinical trials of these combination therapies for improved NSCLC survival rates.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Epigenetics
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a leading cause of cancer mortality globally.
  • Current treatments like chemotherapy and targeted therapies have limited impact on NSCLC 5-year survival rates.
  • Epigenetic alterations are implicated in cancer development, leading to therapies targeting DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and histone-modifying enzymes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review preclinical and clinical studies of epigenetic combination therapies for NSCLC.
  • To provide an overview of the future directions in epigenetic combinatory therapies for NSCLC.

Main Methods:

  • Review of preclinical research on epigenetic agents in NSCLC.
  • Extensive discussion of clinical trials involving epigenetic combination therapies in NSCLC.
  • Inclusion of ongoing clinical trials and future perspectives.

Main Results:

  • Epigenetic therapies have shown greater success in hematologic cancers than in solid tumors like NSCLC.
  • Combination therapies involving epigenetic agents with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or kinase inhibitors are under investigation for solid tumors.
  • Limited success of single-agent epigenetic therapy in solid tumors necessitates combination approaches.

Conclusions:

  • Combination therapies integrating epigenetic agents offer a promising strategy for improving NSCLC treatment outcomes.
  • Further clinical investigation of epigenetic combination therapies is crucial for advancing NSCLC care.
  • The future of NSCLC treatment may involve synergistic approaches combining epigenetic modulation with conventional therapies.
Keywords:
ChromatinDNA methylation; DNMTLSD1NSCLCepigeneticshistone modificationslung cancer

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