Epigenetic Modulating Agents as a New Therapeutic Approach in Multiple Myeloma

Cancers

Ken Maes²  Eline Menu²  Els Van Valckenborgh²  Ivan Van Riet¹  Karin Vanderkerken² 

[1] Stem Cell Laboratory, Department Clinical Hematology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussel, Belgium;Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussel, Belgium

关键词: multiple myeloma;    epigenetics;    histone deacetylase inhibitor;    DNA-methyltransferase inhibitor;   

DOI  :  10.3390/cancers5020430

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable B-cell malignancy. Therefore, new targets and drugs are urgently needed to improve patient outcome. Epigenetic aberrations play a crucial role in development and progression in cancer, including MM. To target these aberrations, epigenetic modulating agents, such as DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTi) and histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), are under intense investigation in solid and hematological cancers. A clinical benefit of the use of these agents as single agents and in combination regimens has been suggested based on numerous studies in pre-clinical tumor models, including MM models. The mechanisms of action are not yet fully understood but appear to involve a combination of true epigenetic changes and cytotoxic actions. In addition, the interactions with the BM niche are also affected by epigenetic modulating agents that will further determine the in vivo efficacy and thus patient outcome. A better understanding of the molecular events underlying the anti-tumor activity of the epigenetic drugs will lead to more rational drug combinations. This review focuses on the involvement of epigenetic changes in MM pathogenesis and how the use of DNMTi and HDACi affect the myeloma tumor itself and its interactions with the microenvironment.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2013 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.