Leki wpływające na mechanizmy epigenetyczne w ostrej białaczce szpikowej

Currently, two DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, azacitadine and decitabine, are the epigenetic agents used for AML treatment. As a result of DNA hipomethylation, these DNA methyltransferase inhibitors contribute to the reactivation of methylation silence tumor suppressor genes. Azacitadine and decitabine can increase life expectancy of older patients precluded from intensive chemotherapy. New studies are being conducted in order to determine the use of azacitadine and decitabine in prevention and treatment of AML relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The present paper manifests the mechanism of action of hypomethylating drugs, as well as provides a brief overview of some clinical trials concerning the use of azacitadine and decitabine in AML. The article also discusses some potential epigenetic drugs that are undergoing clinical trials.