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Published on: June 23, 2023
Emerging Epigenetic Therapies for Brain Tumors
Lokesh Kukreja1, Catherine J Li1, Sathyapriya Ezhilan1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
Abstract:
Malignant brain tumors are among the most intractable cancers, including malignancies such as glioblastoma, diffuse midline glioma, medulloblastoma, and ependymoma. Unfortunately, treatment options for these brain tumors have been inadequate and complex, leading to poor prognoses and creating a need for new treatment modalities. Aberrant epigenetics define these types of tumors, with underlying changes in DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin structure and noncoding RNAs. Epigenetic-targeted therapies are an alternative that have the potential to reverse the epigenetic deregulation underpinning brain malignancies. Various drugs targeting epigenetic regulators have shown promise in preclinical and clinical testing. In this review, we highlight some of the recent emerging epigenetic targeted therapies for brain tumors being evaluated in the discovery phase and in clinical trials.
Insights
Epigenetic-targeted therapies offer new hope for intractable malignant brain tumors by reversing aberrant epigenetic changes. Emerging treatments are being evaluated in clinical trials for brain cancer.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer epigenetics
- Molecular oncology
Background:
- Malignant brain tumors like glioblastoma and medulloblastoma have poor prognoses due to limited treatment options.
- Aberrant epigenetics, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, are hallmarks of these aggressive brain cancers.
- There is a critical need for novel therapeutic strategies to overcome treatment resistance in brain malignancies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review emerging epigenetic-targeted therapies for malignant brain tumors.
- To highlight treatments currently in the discovery phase and clinical trials.
- To discuss the potential of epigenetic drugs to reverse tumor-specific epigenetic deregulation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent preclinical and clinical studies on epigenetic therapies for brain tumors.
- Analysis of drugs targeting epigenetic regulators such as DNA methyltransferases and histone deacetylases.
- Focus on therapies showing promise in addressing glioblastoma, diffuse midline glioma, medulloblastoma, and ependymoma.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic deregulation is a key feature driving the development and progression of malignant brain tumors.
- Various epigenetic drugs targeting DNA methylation, histone modifications, and noncoding RNAs show therapeutic potential.
- Several epigenetic-targeted therapies are advancing through discovery and clinical trials for brain cancer.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic-targeted therapies represent a promising alternative treatment modality for intractable malignant brain tumors.
- Reversing epigenetic dysregulation offers a viable strategy to improve outcomes for patients with brain malignancies.
- Continued research and clinical evaluation of these novel therapies are crucial for advancing brain tumor treatment.
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