decitabine + genistein

Decitabine + genistein is an investigational combination therapy that pairs decitabine, a DNA hypomethylating agent and chemotherapeutic pyrimidine nucleoside analogue, with genistein, a natural isoflavone found in soy products. Decitabine acts primarily by inhibiting DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferases, leading to global DNA hypomethylation and reactivation of tumor suppressor genes, resulting in decreased neoplastic cell proliferation[3]. Genistein exhibits anticancer properties through multiple mechanisms including epigenetic modulation—such as telomerase inhibition via downregulation of hTERT expression—and may enhance the effects of decitabine when used in combination[6]. This drug pair has been studied in early-phase clinical trials for advanced solid tumors and pediatric relapsed or refractory leukemias and solid tumors. The combination has shown tolerability and some evidence of disease stabilization or tumor reduction in certain patients with indolent cancers[2][5].