Histone deacetylase inhibitors are potent radiation protectants

Radiation-induced acute and late injuries often represent a limit to the optimal delivery of radiotherapy in cancer patients. Chung et al. reported that histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, a novel class compound of gene modulators, might have a role in controlling different adverse effects from radiotherapy in preclinical models. They also showed how protection of normal tissues and inhibition of tumor growth might be possible at the same time.