Background/aims: This study was performed to determine the efficacy of histone deacetylase inhibitors in gastric cancer, together with other established regimens.
Methodology: The chemosensitivities of 93 gastric cancer patients to established drugs, and three histone deacetylase inhibitors (SAHA, PXD101, and a novel candidate, CG-2) were evaluated using the histoculture drug response assay.
Results: Tumor growth inhibition rates were the highest with cisplatin, followed by PXD101, taxol, docetaxel, and TS-1, in descending order. The response rates were 41.9-68.8%, and 37.6-47.3%, respectively, at an inhibition rate cutoff value of 30%. Synergistic activity was evident with most combinations of established drugs and histone deacetylase inhibitors. Diffuse- or mixed-type carcinomas on Lauren classification were closely associated with increased chemosensitivity to TS-1 (p = 0.044). Node-positive and "other than tubular type" tumors on WHO classification were chemosensitive to cisplatin (p = 0.011 and 0.014, respectively). CG-2 chemosensitivity was markedly associated with low preoperative CA724 level (< or = 4 U/ml) (p = 0.046).
Conclusions: This in vitro chemosensitivity assay validates the comparable chemo-response of gastric cancers to histone deacetylase inhibitors and established drugs, indicating considerable therapeutic efficacy of these agents. Additionally, a number of clinicopathological parameters are significantly associated with specific regimens.