Which of the following anticancer drugs acts by hypomethylation ?
## **Core Concept**
The question tests understanding of the mechanism of action of certain anticancer drugs, specifically those involved in epigenetic modifications. **Hypomethylation** refers to the decrease in methylation, particularly of DNA, which can lead to increased gene expression. In cancer therapy, drugs that induce hypomethylation aim to reactivate tumor suppressor genes that have been silenced by hypermethylation.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Azacitidine (also known as 5-azacytidine) works by inhibiting **DNA methyltransferase**, the enzyme responsible for the methylation of DNA. By inhibiting this enzyme, azacitidine leads to **hypomethylation** of DNA. This action results in the reexpression of tumor suppressor genes and other genes involved in cell differentiation and proliferation, thereby exerting its anticancer effects.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** This option is incorrect because, without specifying the drug, we cannot assess its mechanism. However, given the context, it's clear Azacitidine is the correct answer, implying other options have different mechanisms.
- **Option B:** This option is incorrect as it does not correspond to Azacitidine.
- **Option C:** This option is incorrect as it does not correspond to Azacitidine.
- **Option D:** This option is incorrect as it does not correspond to Azacitidine.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Azacitidine is specifically used in the treatment of certain types of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). A key point to remember is that drugs like Azacitidine, which modify gene expression without altering the DNA sequence itself, are part of a class of therapies known as epigenetic therapies.
## **Correct Answer:** . Azacitidine