Cancer epigenetics and the potential of epigenetic drugs for treating solid tumors. Issue 2 (1st February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liu, Zhenghui; Gao, Yingxue; Li, Xiong
• Is Part Of: Expert review of anticancer therapy. Volume 19:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 139
• Page End: 149
• Publication Date: 2019-02-01
• Subjects: Epigenetics -- epigenetic drugs -- hematologic malignancies -- solid tumors -- combination therapy; Cancer -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 616.99406
• DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2019.1552139
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-7140

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction : Epigenetic modification without DNA sequence mutation plays an important role in cancer development. Some small molecular inhibitors targeting key epigenetic molecules have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat hematological malignancies. However, the anticancer effects of these drugs on solid tumors are not satisfactory, and the mechanisms of action remain largely unknown. Areas covered : The review summarizes the latest research on cancer epigenetics and discusses the potentials and limitations of using epigenetic drugs to treat solid tumors. An analysis of possible reasons for epigenetic drug treatment failure in solid tumors in some clinical trials is discussed along with prospects for future development. Expert commentary : Next-generation small molecule inhibitors will target novel epigenetic regulators with high cancer specificity. Combined modalities exploiting epigenetic drugs with chemo-/radiotherapy, molecular-targeting drugs, and immunotherapy will be able to effectively treat solid tumors in the near future.