Phenylbutyrate inhibits the invasive properties of prostate and breast cancer cell lines in the sea urchin embryo basement membrane invasion assay.

Histone deacetylase inhibitors, such as phenylbutyrate, are currently undergoing clinical trials as potential anticancer agents. Phenylbutyrate can induce cell differentiation and apoptosis in a number of cancer cell types and can act in synergy with ionizing radiation and chemotherapy to induce apoptosis. We used the sea urchin embryo basement membrane invasion assay to show that phenylbutyrate potently inhibited the invasive properties of both prostate and breast cancer cells at clinically achievable doses. This inhibition was dose-dependent and persisted for at least 24 hr after the drug was removed. These results suggest that in addition to activating apoptosis in cancer cells, phenylbutyrate may be used in prevention of metastatic disease.