Histone deacetylases (HDACs) have long been implicated in
tumorigenesis and
tumor progression demonstrating their important participation in
neoplasia. Therefore, numerous studies have been performed, highlighting the mechanism of HDACs action in
tumor cells and demonstrating the potential role of
HDAC inhibitors in the treatment of different
cancer types. The outcome of these studies further delineated and strengthened the solid role that HDACs and epigenetic modifications exert in
neoplasia. These results have spread promise regarding the potential use of HDACs as prospective therapeutic targets. Nevertheless, the clinical significance of HDAC expression and their use as
biomarkers in
cancer has not been extensively elucidated. The aim of our study is to emphasize the clinical significance of HDAC
isoforms expression in different
tumor types and the correlations noted between the clinicopathological parameters of
tumors and patient outcomes. We further discuss the obstacles that the next generation
HDAC inhibitors need to overcome, for them to become more potent.