Novel treatment opportunities for sulfur mustard-related cancers: genetic and epigenetic perspectives

Abstract

Sulfur mustard (SM), also known as mustard gas, is a chemical weapon which by now has been used in many wars. The most concerning SM toxic effect is probable carcinogenicity. In this study, the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of SM carcinogenicity, by focusing on treatment of SM-associated malignancies, particularly gene therapeutics, cancer vaccines, and epigenetic medications, have been criticized. The required data were collected through an organized search on valid scientific databases. For SM carcinogenicity due to acute or chronic exposure, the entire original and review articles were evaluated. In addition, studies on the therapeutic effects of available genetic and epigenetic medications were included. Currently, four gene therapeutics, two cancer vaccines with genetic bases, and seven epigenetic medications are available for cancer treatment. Genetic and epigenetic cancer treatments including Gendicine, Imlygic, Provenge, Cimavax-EGF, Azacitidine, Vorinostat, Romidepsin, and Belinostat will yield outstanding benefits for SM-exposed patients who suffer from cancer.

Keywords: Cancer; Cancer vaccine; Epigenetic therapy; Gene therapy; Sulfur mustard.