decitabine + peginterferon alfa-2b

A two-drug investigational combination of the hypomethylating agent decitabine and the cytokine peginterferon alfa-2b, studied primarily in advanced melanoma. Decitabine is a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor that induces DNA hypomethylation and can upregulate tumor antigen expression (e.g., MHC class I and cancer-testis antigens), potentially enhancing tumor immunogenicity. Peginterferon alfa-2b activates interferon signaling via IFNAR to induce antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, and immunostimulatory effects. A phase I trial in advanced melanoma evaluated safety, pharmacodynamics, and immune effects; the maximum tolerated regimen reported was decitabine 15 mg/m2/day with peginterferon alfa-2b 3 μg/kg, with notable grade 3/4 cytopenias and limited efficacy signals; trial accrual ended early. This combination remains investigational without regulatory approval.

Other names

decitabine and pegylated interferon alfa-2b