Targeting DNA repair as a promising approach in cancer therapy

Giovanna Damia; Maurizio D'Incalci

doi:10.1016/j.ejca.2007.05.003

Targeting DNA repair as a promising approach in cancer therapy

Eur J Cancer. 2007 Aug;43(12):1791-801. doi: 10.1016/j.ejca.2007.05.003. Epub 2007 Jun 27.

Authors

Giovanna Damia¹, Maurizio D'Incalci

Affiliation

¹ Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Via Eritrea 62, 20157 Milan, Italy.

PMID: 17588740
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2007.05.003

Abstract

An increased DNA-repair activity in tumour cells has been associated with resistance to treatment to DNA-directed drugs, while defects in DNA repair pathways result in hypersensitivity to these agents. In the past years the unravelling of the molecular basis of these DNA pathways, with a better understanding of the DNA damage caused by different anticancer agents, has provided the rationale for the use of some DNA repair inhibitors to optimise the therapeutic use of DNA-damaging agents currently used in the treatment of tumours. In addition, the possibility to specifically target the differences in DNA repair capacity between normal and tumour cells has recently emerged as an exciting possibility. The present review will mainly cover those approaches that are currently under clinical investigation.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

DNA Damage / physiology*
DNA Repair / physiology*
Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
Humans
Neoplasms / therapy*
O(6)-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase / antagonists & inhibitors
O(6)-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase / physiology
Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors

Substances

Enzyme Inhibitors
Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors
O(6)-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase