Can DNA Repair Mechanisms be Targeted for Cancer Therapy?
Yes, targeting defective DNA repair mechanisms is a promising approach in cancer therapy. For example, PARP inhibitors are used to treat cancers with BRCA1/2 mutations by exploiting the concept of synthetic lethality. Tumors with defective HR are particularly sensitive to PARP inhibitors, which block an alternative repair pathway, leading to cell death. This strategy exemplifies how understanding DNA repair pathways can lead to targeted cancer therapies.
