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Cancer's epigenetic drugs: where are they in the cancer medicines?

The Pharmacogenomics Journal volume 20, pages 367–379 (2020)Cite this article

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Abstract

Epigenetic modulation can affect the characteristics of cancers. Because it is likely to manipulate epigenetic genes, they can be considered as potential targets for cancer treatment. In this comprehensive study, epigenetic drugs are categorized according to anticancer mechanisms and phase of therapy. The relevant articles or databases were searched for epigenetic approaches to cancer therapy. Epigenetic drugs are divided according to their mechanisms and clinical phases that have been approved by the FDA or are undergoing evaluation phases. DNA methylation agents, chromatin remodelers specially HDACs, and noncoding RNAs especially microRNAs are the main epi-drugs for cancer. Despite many challenges, combination therapy using epi-drugs and routine therapies such as chemotherapy in various approaches have exhibited beneficial effects compared with each treatment alone. Cancer stem cell targeting and epigenetic editing have been confirmed as definitive pathways for cancer treatment. This paper reviewed the available epigenetic approaches to cancer therapy.

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Fig. 1: The mechanism of anticancer drugs; DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, and noncoding RNAs are the three main epigenetic mechanisms that contribute to the characteristics of cancer stem cells or the development of cancer.

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Acknowledgements

Sincere thanks are acknowledged to Dr Hossein Amini Khoyi for his guidance and assistance.

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  1. Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran

    Sorayya Ghasemi

  2. Cancer Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran

    Sorayya Ghasemi

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Correspondence to Sorayya Ghasemi.

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Ghasemi, S. Cancer's epigenetic drugs: where are they in the cancer medicines?. Pharmacogenomics J 20, 367–379 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41397-019-0138-5

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