Combining epigenetic cancer medications may have benefit for colorectal cancers and other tumor types

A pair of medications that make malignant cells act as if they have a virus could hold new promise for treating colorectal cancers and other solid tumors, reports a new study. The preclinical research determined how low doses of a DNMT inhibitor sensitize cancer cells to an EZH2 inhibitor, resulting in a one-two punch that combats cancer cells better than either drug alone. The findings are the foundation for an upcoming Phase I clinical trial to evaluate this combination in people with colorectal cancer or other solid tumors.