State of the translational science: summary of Baltimore workshop on gene re-expression as a therapeutic target in cancer January 2003.
A workshop was held in Baltimore, Maryland in January 2003 to discuss translational aspects of cancer therapies targeted at impacting aberrant gene transcription due to epigenetic changes. The mission of the meeting was the development of strategies for scientifically sound, clinically feasible applications targeting epigenetics in cancer therapy. Sessions included preclinical discussions of DNA methylation, the histone code, chromatin remodeling, and transcriptional control. Data on the histone deacetylase and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors under preclinical and clinical investigation were presented and discussed. The optimal correlative laboratory studies for monitoring clinical trials with these agents remain controversial. DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylase inhibitors will be combined with each other to maximally re-express genes silenced through promoter methylation. Other classes of agents that may be rationally combined with these classes of drugs include retinoids, steroid hormones, and cytotoxic drugs.
Section of Hematological Oncology, Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, London, England.
Arthur
A
Zelent
Samuel
S
Waxman
Michael
M
Carducci
John
J
Wright
James
J
Zweibel
Steven D
SD
Gore
D000107:Acetylation / Q000187:drug effects; D019175:DNA Methylation / Q000187:drug effects; D015257:DNA-Cytosine Methylases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / Q000187:drug effects*; D056572:Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors; D006657:Histones / Q000378:metabolism; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics; D018581:Technology Transfer
D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D056572:Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors; D006657:Histones; D015257:DNA-Cytosine Methylases