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Published on: May 15, 2019
Bromodomain and extraterminal domain protein bromodomain inhibitor based cancer therapeutics
Tithi Ghosh Halder1, Raffaella Soldi, Sunil Sharma
1Applied Cancer Research and Drug Discovery, Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
Purpose Of Review:
Bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins are evolutionarily conserved, multifunctional super-regulators that specifically recognize acetyl-lysine on histones and other proteins controlling gene transcription. Several studies show that small molecules targeting these regulators preferentially suppress the transcription of cancer-promoting genes. Consequently, several BET inhibitors reached clinical trials and are in various stages for different kind of malignancies. In this review, we provide a concise summary of the molecular basis and preliminary clinical outcomes of BET inhibitors as anticancer therapeutics.
Recent Findings:
Results from early clinical trials with BET inhibitors confirmed their antitumor potential in both hematologic and solid tumours, but the evidence does not support the application of BET inhibitors as a monotherapy for cancer treatment. Treatment-emergent toxicities such as thrombocytopenia and gastrointestinal disorders are also reported. Preclinical data suggest that BET inhibitors may have a promising future in combination with other anticancer agents.
Summary:
Despite of various challenges, BET inhibitors have high potential in combinatorial therapy and the future development of next-generation inhibitors could be promising. Further studies are needed to determine the predictive biomarkers for therapeutic response, which would translate into the long-term success of BET inhibitors as personalized medicines in cancer treatment.
Insights
Bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) inhibitors show anticancer potential but are not effective as monotherapy. Combination therapies and next-generation inhibitors offer promising avenues for personalized cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins regulate gene transcription by recognizing acetyl-lysine.
- BET inhibitors target these super-regulators, suppressing cancer-promoting genes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular basis of BET inhibitors.
- To summarize preliminary clinical outcomes of BET inhibitors in cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on BET inhibitors.
- Analysis of clinical trial data for BET inhibitors.
Main Results:
- Early clinical trials confirm antitumor potential of BET inhibitors in hematologic and solid tumors.
- BET inhibitors are not effective as monotherapy and can cause toxicities like thrombocytopenia.
- Preclinical data suggest efficacy in combination therapies.
Conclusions:
- BET inhibitors show promise in combination therapy for cancer.
- Further research is needed to identify predictive biomarkers for personalized medicine.
- Next-generation BET inhibitors may offer improved therapeutic outcomes.
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