Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 22, 2026

A Data Integration Workflow to Identify Drug Combinations Targeting Synthetic Lethal Interactions
07:40

A Data Integration Workflow to Identify Drug Combinations Targeting Synthetic Lethal Interactions

Published on: May 27, 2021

4.7K

Synthetic Lethal Interactions in Cancer Therapy

Xinwei Geng1, Xiaohui Wang2, Dan Zhu3

  • 1Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.

Current Cancer Drug Targets
|April 27, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Synthetic lethality, a strategy where targeting two pathways causes cell death, is a proven anti-cancer approach. This review covers synthetic lethal interactions used in cancer therapies before 2016.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Synthetic lethality occurs when simultaneous silencing of two or more complementary signaling pathways induces cell death.
  • Loss of a single genetic function typically does not result in a severe phenotype, highlighting the specific nature of synthetic lethal interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and summarize the synthetic lethal interactions that have been exploited in anticancer therapies.
  • To provide an overview of established synthetic lethality strategies in cancer treatment prior to 2016.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific publications and clinical studies.
  • Analysis of synthetic lethal interactions reported in anticancer therapies up to 2016.

Main Results:

  • Synthetic lethality is a validated and effective strategy in cancer therapy.
  • Multiple synthetic lethal interactions have been identified and are being translated into clinical applications.

Conclusions:

  • Synthetic lethality represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment.
  • The ongoing translation of synthetic lethal interactions into clinical cancer therapies underscores its therapeutic potential.
Keywords:
PARP inhibitorsSynthetic lethalitycancer therapydrug resistancesignaling pathwaystargeted therapy

More Related Videos

Dual CRISPR-Interference Strategy for Targeting Synthetic Lethal Interactions Between Non-Coding RNAs in Cancer Cells07:23

Dual CRISPR-Interference Strategy for Targeting Synthetic Lethal Interactions Between Non-Coding RNAs in Cancer Cells

Published on: May 30, 2025

1.3K
Pooled shRNA Library Screening to Identify Factors that Modulate a Drug Resistance Phenotype14:51

Pooled shRNA Library Screening to Identify Factors that Modulate a Drug Resistance Phenotype

Published on: June 17, 2022

3.7K

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
9.1K
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

1.7K
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
6.3K
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
3.9K
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes01:05

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
10.0K
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes01:05

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

2.9K