Hypomethylating Agents in Oncohematology

The review describes epigenetic processes, including methylation of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA, as well as RNA. It dwells on mechanisms of demethylation and corresponding medicinal products. It presents detailed information on results of numerous large randomized studies intended to evaluate hypomethylating agents (azanucleosides). Special attention is paid to outcomes of azanucleoside therapy in patients with acute myeloid leukemias. The article describes several prognostic systems and treatment algorithms for myelodysplastic syndromes. Two azanucleosides have been approved in Russia to date: azacitidine (for SQ administration) and decitabine (for IV administration). International authors analyze the experience in oral and subcutaneous administration of decitabine. However, the problem of off-label use of hypomethylating agents is still open. The review gives a brief description of ongoing clinical trials with azanucleosides.