Epigenetic therapy of cancer: past, present and future

Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2006 Jan;5(1):37-50. doi: 10.1038/nrd1930.

Abstract

The initiation and progression of cancer is controlled by both genetic and epigenetic events. Unlike genetic alterations, which are almost impossible to reverse, epigenetic aberrations are potentially reversible, allowing the malignant cell population to revert to a more normal state. With the advent of numerous drugs that target specific enzymes involved in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression, the utilization of epigenetic targets is emerging as an effective and valuable approach to chemotherapy as well as chemoprevention of cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / therapeutic use
  • DNA Methylation / drug effects
  • Epigenesis, Genetic*
  • Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors
  • Humans
  • Molecular Structure
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / genetics

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors