Advances in epigenetic glioblastoma therapy

Dong Hoon Lee1,2, Hyun-Wook Ryu1, Hye-Rim Won1

  • 1College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea.

Oncotarget
|January 19, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors show promise for treating glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a deadly brain cancer. Research explores their anticancer mechanisms and role in recurrent GBM therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Neuro-oncology
  • Cancer epigenetics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive primary brain tumor with poor prognosis.
  • Recurrent GBM lacks standard effective treatments, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Epigenetic dysregulation is a key driver in GBM pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of the anticancer mechanisms of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors.
  • To elucidate the role of specific HDAC isoforms in GBM.
  • To summarize preclinical and clinical data on HDAC inhibitors for GBM treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of preclinical studies investigating HDAC inhibitors in GBM models.
  • Analysis of clinical trial data for HDAC inhibitors in cancer, with a focus on GBM.
  • Examination of the molecular mechanisms of HDAC inhibition in cancer epigenetics.

Main Results:

  • HDAC inhibitors demonstrate broad anticancer activities by modulating gene expression and protein function.
  • Specific HDAC isoforms are implicated in GBM development and progression.
  • Preclinical data suggest therapeutic potential, with ongoing clinical investigations.

Conclusions:

  • HDAC inhibitors represent a promising therapeutic avenue for glioblastoma, particularly for recurrent disease.
  • Targeting epigenetic mechanisms offers a novel approach to combat GBM.
  • Further research and clinical trials are warranted to optimize HDAC inhibitor therapy for GBM patients.

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