The application of epigenetic modifiers on the treatment of prostate and bladder cancer.
Prostate cancer and transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of bladder are the 2 most common malignancies in the male adult urogenital system. Epigenetic gene silencing, particularly tumor suppressor genes, has become a new area of cancer research. Agents such as deoxyribonucleic acid methyltransferase inhibitors or histone deacetylase inhibitors are epigenetic modifiers that can restore gene expression and alter the malignant phenotype of cancer. They provide a new therapeutic avenue for prostate cancer and TCC. It is also likely that combination regimens using epigenetic modifiers with other classes of agents may have higher therapeutic efficacy for prostate cancer and TCC, especially metastatic and/or refractory cases. We review current knowledge of epigenetic event in prostate cancer and TCC, and discuss the possible clinical implications for these 2 diseases.
Zhang
Zhengwang
Z
Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9110, USA.
Karam
Jose
J
Frenkel
Eugene
E
Sagalowsky
Arthur
A
Hsieh
Jer-Tsong
JT
D002295:Carcinoma, Transitional Cell / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy*; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D056572:Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy*; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy*
D056572:Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors