Work

The role of PARP in DNA repair and its therapeutic exploitation

Year: 2011

Type: review

Abstract: Historically, PARP inhibitors (PARPi) were developed to potentiate the cytotoxic effect of certain chemotherapeutic agents and are currently being investigated in combination with chemotherapy in diverse cancer types. These agents are also radiosensitisers and clinical trials of PARPi with concurrent radiation are required. It has long been recognised that defective DNA repair pathways lead to tumour susceptibility. Recent studies indicate that tumour cells with defective homologous recombination (HR) repair pathways, the classic example being BRCA mutations, are exquisitely sensitive to PARPi. Defects in HR are not restricted to BRCA-associated tumours and other cancer types may be enriched for HR defects and hence susceptible to PARP inhibition. The identification of predictive markers for sensitivity to PARP inhibition is a priority area for research.

Source: British Journal of Cancer

DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2011.382

Authors: M Javle, N J Curtin

Institutions: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Newcastle University

Language: English

Topic: PARP inhibition in cancer therapy

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,190