The role of epigenetics in malignant pleural mesothelioma

Lung Cancer. 2013 Sep;81(3):311-318. doi: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2013.05.014. Epub 2013 Jun 18.

Abstract

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an almost invariably fatal cancer of the pleura due to asbestos exposure. Increasing evidence indicates that unresponsiveness to chemotherapy is due to epigenetic errors leading to inadequate gene expression in tumor cells. The availability of compounds that modulate epigenetic modifications, such as histone acetylation or DNA methylation, offers new prospects for treatment of MPM. Here, we review latest findings on epigenetics in mesothelioma and present novel strategies for promising epigenetic therapies.

Keywords: DNA methylation; Epigenetics; Histone acetylation; Mesothelioma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / genetics
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Epigenesis, Genetic* / drug effects
  • Epigenomics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / drug effects
  • Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Lung Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Mesothelioma / drug therapy
  • Mesothelioma / genetics*
  • Mesothelioma, Malignant
  • Pleural Neoplasms / genetics*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors
  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases