[donocco]

This is interesting news. Histones are proteins used to clog up genes. They have a normal function, of course. Every cell in your body has the same genes. The genes for making Hydrochloric acid are located in the cornea of the eye just as they are in the parietal cells of the stomach. I imagine it wouldnt be pleasant to have the corneal cells start producing Hydrochloric acid but these genes in the cornea are inactive, at least partially due to their binding with Histone Proteins.

There are genes in the cancer cell that act to stop cancer cell growth. The cancer cells stop their action by wrapping histone protein around the genes. The body tries to fight back by putting acetyl groups on the amino acid Lysine of the DNA. This loostens up the grip of the Histone protein. The cancer cells fight back again. It is as if they could think. They use an enzyme, Histone deeacetylase to remove the acetate groups and tighten the binding of the Histone proteins. The Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors like Romidepsin inhibit this acetate removing enzyme. The only approved use for Romidepsin is the treatment of T cell Lymphoma.
It is administered IV on days 1, 8 and 15 of a 28 day cycle in a dosage of 14mg per square meter.

It has quite a few side effects: anemia, thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, neutropenia, infections,
itching, edema, increased liver enzymes, fatigue headache and many more. Im glad to see they are starting to use these Histone Deaceylase inhibitors for more than T Cell Lymphoma. This enzyme is overactive in many cancers, and at least theoretically drugs like Romidepsin might have value.

The antisiezure drug Depakote has strong Histone Deacetylase inhibiting action and seems to be much safer than Romidepsin. Im curious if any clinicians have tried Depakote (Valproic Acid slow release) to treat various cancers.

Paul