Hybrid Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor: An Effective Strategy for Cancer Therapy

Inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDACs) has proven to be an effective strategy for cancer therapy. To date, five histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) have been approved for cancer treatment, and numerous others are undergoing clinical trials. An agent that can simultaneously and effectively inhibit two or more targets may offer greater therapeutic benefits over single-acting agents in preventing resistance to treatment and potentiating synergistic effects. A prime example of a bifunctional agent is the hybrid HDACi. Representative classes of reported hybrid HDACis are reviewed here to shed light on the design of novel hybrid HDACis for cancer therapy.