Is DNA repair a potential target for effective therapies against malignant mesothelioma?

Cancer Treat Rev. 2020 Nov:90:102101. doi: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2020.102101. Epub 2020 Aug 25.

Abstract

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare malignancy mainly caused by asbestos exposure. Germinal and acquired mutations in genes of DNA repair pathways, in particular of homologous recombination repair, are frequent in MPM. Here we overview the available experimental data suggesting that an impaired DNA repair system affects MPM pathogenesis by leaving lesions through the genome unresolved. DNA repair defects represent a vulnerability of MPM, and it seems plausible to propose that leveraging these deficiencies could have therapeutic potential for patients with MPM, for whom there is an urgent need of more effective therapies.

Keywords: DNA repair; Homologous recombination; Mesothelioma; PARP inhibitor; Tumor resistance; Tumorigenesis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic
  • DNA Damage
  • DNA Repair*
  • Humans
  • Mesothelioma, Malignant / drug therapy*
  • Mesothelioma, Malignant / genetics*
  • Mutation
  • Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Substances

  • Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors