Epigenetic Therapies in Endocrine-Related Cancers: Past Insights and Clinical Progress

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Epigenetics
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Hormone-dependent cancers often develop resistance to standard therapies like surgery and hormone-targeting drugs.
• Epigenetic modulators are increasingly recognized for their roles in cancer development and response to treatment, presenting potential therapeutic targets.
• There is an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies to manage recurrent, resistant, or advanced hormone-dependent cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of epigenetic targets and small-molecule inhibitors in endocrine-related cancers.
• To summarize the current clinical trial landscape for epigenetic agents in these cancers.
• To discuss the potential of epigenetic therapies, particularly in combination regimens, for overcoming treatment resistance.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of epigenetic targets and inhibitors.
• Analysis of ongoing clinical trials in endocrine-related cancers.
• Synthesis of evidence regarding the efficacy and challenges of epigenetic agents in monotherapy and combination settings.

Main Results:

• Numerous small-molecule inhibitors targeting key epigenetic regulators have been developed over the past two decades.
• Epigenetic agents have demonstrated limited efficacy as monotherapies.
• Combination regimens involving epigenetic drugs are emerging as a promising strategy to enhance treatment efficacy and overcome resistance.

Conclusions:

• Epigenetic modulators are attractive targets and biomarkers for endocrine-related cancers.
• While monotherapy with epigenetic agents has shown limited success, combination therapies offer a viable strategy to improve outcomes.
• Further research and clinical trials are crucial for integrating epigenetic drugs into the management of advanced endocrine-related cancers.