Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Folding and Characterization of a Bio-responsive Robot from DNA Origami
Published on: December 3, 2015
DNA-interactive agents
1CRC Centre for Cancer Therapeutics, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, UK. lloyd@icr.ac.uk
Abstract:
Currently, approximately 40 drugs are registered for the chemotherapeutic treatment of cancer, the vast majority of which either interact directly with DNA (eg, alkylating, methylating, platinating agents, topoisomerase inhibitors), or affect DNA synthesis (antimetabolites). Whilst such agents remain of great importance in combination chemotherapy regimens, many cancer drug discovery groups have questioned whether any further significant gains may be made through the development of novel DNA-interactive drugs. Such agents tend to be associated with dose-limiting antiproliferative tissue toxicities (eg, myelo-suppression, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea or mucositis) which is indicative of their general lack of selectivity in targeting tumor versus normal tissue DNA. Perhaps surprisingly to some, Dr D Von Hoff (University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA) proposed that the investigation of DNA-interactive agents is still yielding some promising agents. He illustrated this with the following new agents.
Insights
Despite concerns about toxicity, novel DNA-interactive cancer drugs are still showing promise. Further research into these agents may yield significant advancements in chemotherapy treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The majority of current cancer chemotherapies directly interact with DNA or affect DNA synthesis.
- Novel DNA-interactive agents are questioned for their potential for further gains due to dose-limiting toxicities and lack of selectivity.
- Existing DNA-interactive drugs are crucial in combination chemotherapy regimens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ongoing potential and promising developments in novel DNA-interactive cancer agents.
- To address the skepticism surrounding the discovery of new DNA-interactive drugs in cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of current landscape of DNA-interactive cancer drugs.
- Discussion of the limitations and toxicities associated with existing agents.
- Presentation of novel DNA-interactive agents currently under investigation.
Main Results:
- Novel DNA-interactive agents are still emerging and showing promise.
- The investigation of DNA-interactive agents continues to yield promising results.
- Despite challenges, new agents are being developed.
Conclusions:
- The development of novel DNA-interactive agents remains a viable and promising area of cancer drug discovery.
- Further research into DNA-interactive agents may lead to improved cancer treatments.
- Promising new agents are emerging, challenging the notion that this field has reached its limits.
Related Concept Videos
The DNA Helix
The DNA Helix
The DNA Helix
DNA as a Genetic Template
DNA as a Genetic Template
DNA Topoisomerases
Types and Mechanism of action
Topoisomerases are divided into two main types. Type I...

