Purpose: To evaluate the potential utility of histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) for treatment of retinoblastoma (RB).

Experimental Design: Growth-inhibitory effects of HDACi [trichostatin A (TSA), suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), or MS-275] were assessed in human and transgenic murine RB cells. Effects of TSA and MS-275 were also assessed in combination with standard therapeutic agents for RB. Proapoptotic effects of MS-275 and TSA were evaluated by caspase-3/7 activity, Annexin V translocation, and/or Bim expression analyses. Effects of MS-275 on cell cycle distribution and reactive oxygen species levels were determined by flow cytometry. Retinal tissue morphology was evaluated in mice after local administration of MS-275. Analysis of retinal acetyl-histone levels was used to assess MS-275 delivery after systemic administration. Therapeutic effects of MS-275 were determined in transgenic mouse and rat ocular xenograft models of RB after i.p. injection of 20 mg/kg every other day for 21 or 13 days, respectively.

Results: TSA, SAHA, and MS-275 dose dependently reduced RB cell survival. TSA and MS-275 showed additive growth-inhibitory effects in combination with carboplatin, etoposide, or vincristine. TSA and MS-275 increased caspase-3/7 activity. MS-275 increased Annexin V membrane translocation and induced G₁ arrest. Cytotoxicity of MS-275 was dependent on increased reactive oxygen species levels and was reversed by antioxidant pretreatment. Intraocular administration of 1 μL of 10 μmol/L MS-275 did not alter ocular tissue morphology. Increased acetyl-histone levels confirmed MS-275 delivery to retinal tissue after systemic administration. MS-275 significantly reduced tumor burden in both mouse and rat models of RB.

Conclusions: HDACi should be considered for clinical trials in children with RB.