Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining whether a treatment of a disorder with an HDAC inhibitor is to be started/continued or not comprising determining the level of histone acetylation in the sample by use of an antibody capable of binding to acetylated histone, and classifying the disorder as to be treated with an HDAC inhibitor when the level of histone acetylation is significantly lower than that of a reference sample. The invention further relates to the diagnostic and prognostic use of specific antibodies and cell lines producing them.

Abstract: New inhibitors of histone deacetylases having antitumor activity, and the process of preparation thereof are herein described. These compounds belong to the structural formula (I) where R1 is a linear or branched chain containing at least two conjugated double bonds, A is an optionally substituted phenyl or pyridyl ring, Ar is an aryl or heteroaryl group, and R3 is hydrogen or alkoxyalkyl. The application also describes the use of said compounds in the treatment of diseases associated to the deregulation of histone deacetylases activity, such as tumors, as well as the relevant pharmaceutical compositions for administration to patients requiring said treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining whether a treatment of a disorder with an HDAC inhibitor is to be started/continued or not comprising determining the level of histone acetylation in the sample by use of an antibody capable of binding to acetylated histone, and classifying the disorder as to be treated with an HDAC inhibitor when the level of histone acetylation is significantly lower than that of a reference sample. The invention further relates to the diagnostic and prognostic use of specific antibodies and cell lines producing them.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a topically applicable formulation containing Valproic Acid or a derivative thereof which can be used alone or in combination with topically applicable formulations of retinoids or of nuclear receptor ligands, or of chemotherapeutic agents (e.g. 5-Fluorouracil). The formulation is useful for the topical treatment of cancerous skin disorders, such as Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Keratoakantoma, Bowen Disease, cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma and also for the topical treatment of pre-malignant lesions, and of inflammations of the skin and/or mucosa. The invention also relates to the use of this topically applicable formulation for the protection from UV light and for the treatment of sun burn. The invention includes the use of VPA for the manufacture of a clinically used medicament for the topical treatment of the human diseases listed above.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of molecular markers and related signaling mechanisms for the preclinical and clinical profiling of inhibitors of enzymes having histone deacetylase activity. The invention also relates to the use of such markers as diagnostic and/or prognostic tools for the treatment of tumor patients with such inhibitors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of the drug valproic acid and derivatives thereof as inhibitors of enzymes having histone deacetylase for the sensitizing treatment of human cancers in combination with established therapeutic principles. The invention also relates to the use of those compounds for the treatment of tumor metastasis and minimal residual disease. The invention includes the manufacture of a clinically used substance for the treatment of human cancers.