[Epigenetics as a novel therapeutic target of cancer].
Epigenetic therapy is highly anticipated as a next player to molecular target drugs. Epigenetic abnormalities are maintained even after a somatic cell division, and can be causally involved in carcinogenesis. Recent cancer genome analysis revealed that a significant fraction of cancers cannot be accounted for only by mutations of known protein-coding genes, and that mutations of epigenetic genes are unexpectedly frequent. DNA demethylating drugs and histone deacetylase inhibitors are already approved, and many next-generation epigenetic drugs are under development. Application of epigenetic therapies to solid tumors is being attempted, and a promising result is available for non-small cell lung cancers. Right patients, right doses, and right combinations are key to further success, and can be done based on recent progresses in mechanistic analyses.
Division of Epigenomics, National Cancer Center Research Institute.
Toshikazu
T
Ushijima
Hideyuki
H
Takeshima
D019175:DNA Methylation; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D006657:Histones / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D009154:Mutation; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics*
D006657:Histones