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Genetics, epigenetics and redox homeostasis in rhabdomyosarcoma: Emerging targets and therapeutics

Ananya Pal1, Hsin Yao Chiu1, Reshma Taneja1

  • 1Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore.

Redox Biology
|February 3, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a promising target for rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) treatment. Targeting ROS and epigenetic alterations may lead to novel therapies for this childhood cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Molecular Therapeutics

Background:

  • Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common pediatric soft tissue sarcoma, with high-risk cases having a poor prognosis.
  • Current therapies (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy) have shown limited improvement since the 1990s due to drug resistance and metastasis.
  • Recent advances in understanding RMS genetics and epigenetics have identified potential new therapeutic targets.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent findings on key pathways, epigenetic alterations, and their impact on reactive oxygen species (ROS) in RMS.
  • To highlight the potential of targeting ROS for novel molecularly targeted therapies in RMS.
  • To discuss how these targeted therapies could improve outcomes when combined with conventional treatments.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on RMS genetics, epigenetics, and therapeutic targets.
  • Analysis of the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in RMS progression.
  • Synthesis of information on emerging molecularly targeted therapies.

Main Results:

  • Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been identified as a significant target in high-throughput drug screening for RMS.
  • Many drugs currently in clinical trials for RMS exert their effects by modulating ROS.
  • Epigenetic alterations play a crucial role in RMS development and present opportunities for targeted intervention.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting ROS, alongside epigenetic modifications, offers a promising strategy for developing novel molecularly targeted therapies for RMS.
  • Combination therapy involving novel targeted agents and conventional treatments could improve survival rates and reduce long-term side effects in pediatric RMS patients.
  • Further research into the interplay between genetic/epigenetic factors and ROS is essential for advancing RMS treatment.
Keywords:
Redox homeostasisRhabdomyosarcomaSignallingTherapeuticsTranscription

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