title: Decitabine, a new star in epigenetic therapy: the clinical application and biological mechanism in solid tumors.
abstract: Epigenetic alterations are strongly associated with cancer development and drug resistance. The use of the DNA methylation inhibitor decitabine (Dacogen®) has been approved in the treatment of hematological malignancies, and its clinical effects on solid tumors have gained attention. Here, we present a review of the molecular regulation mechanisms, clinical experiences and biological evaluation for novel decitabine-based therapies in solid tumors. We also discuss the following questions: What is the best administration schedule of decitabine in solid tumors? Is there tumor type specificity for decitabine-based epigenetic therapy? What are the biological function and mechanism of decitabine in suppressing tumor development? Is there a correlation between DNA demethylation and clinical response? Importantly, low-dose decitabine and combined therapy show significant improvement in solid tumor treatment. However, the correlation studies are preliminary, and key biomarkers for prognosis need further investigation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Science, PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China.
authors.forename: Jing
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nie
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China.
authors.forename: Lin
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Science, PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China.
authors.forename: Xiang
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Science, PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China. Electronic address: hanwdrsw69@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Weidong
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Han
mesh_terms: D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry; D001374:Azacitidine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000737:chemistry; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D019175:DNA Methylation / Q000187:drug effects*; D000077209:Decitabine; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics*; D011379:Prognosis
chemical_list: D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D000077209:Decitabine; D001374:Azacitidine
keywords: Decitabine; Demethylating drug; Drug sensitivity; Tumor therapy