title: Utility of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes.
abstract: Unprecedented progress continues to be made in the treatment strategies for the myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). This review provides an introduction to DNA methyltransferase inhibitors. These agents include 5-azacytidine (azacitidine; AZA) and 5-aza-2'- deoxycytidine (decitabine; DAC). In particular, AZA was shown for the first time to significantly prolong the life expectancy of high-risk MDS patients in international multicenter clinical studies. The selection of responders and assessment of the long-term efficacy warrant further study.
authors.affiliation: Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama 701-0192, Japan. ktohyama@med.kawasaki-m.ac.jp
authors.forename: Kaoru
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tohyama
mesh_terms: D001374:Azacitidine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015254:DNA Modification Methylases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D000077209:Decitabine; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008017:Life Expectancy; D009190:Myelodysplastic Syndromes / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D000077209:Decitabine; D015254:DNA Modification Methylases; D001374:Azacitidine