Could valproic acid be an effective anticancer agent? The evidence so far

• Authors: Seth A Brodie, Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center; Johann Brandes, Emory University
• Journal Title: Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy
• Volume: Volume 14, Number 10
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis: STM, Behavioural Science and Public Health Titles - No Open Select | 2014-10-01, Pages 1097-1100
• Type of Work: Article | Post-print: After Peer Review
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1586/14737140.2014.940329
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Oncology
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Oncology; AML; cancer prevention; HDAC; MDS; methylation; valproic acid; ACUTE MYELOID-LEUKEMIA; HISTONE DEACETYLASE INHIBITOR; CONVENTIONAL CARE REGIMENS; TRANS-RETINOIC ACID; MYELODYSPLASTIC SYNDROME; LUNG-CANCER; PHASE-III; TRIAL; RISK; AZACITIDINE

Abstract

Valproic acid is an inhibitor of class I histone deacetylases. Epigenetic therapies in cancer have been focus of a keen interest and histone deacetylase inhibitors, in particular, have been approved for certain types of hematologic malignancies. Valproic acid is an attractive candidate for cancer therapy due to its mechanism of action, its low cost and generally good clinical tolerability. In the following editorial, we will review its role as monotherapy for cancer, its place in combination epigenetic therapy, and its role as chemosensitizer, and cancer preventative agent.