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Updated: Oct 20, 2025

Assessment of Global DNA Double-Strand End Resection using BrdU-DNA Labeling coupled with Cell Cycle Discrimination Imaging
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Published on: April 28, 2021

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DNA double-strand break repair in cancer: A path to achieving precision medicine

Taneisha Gillyard1, Jamaine Davis1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, United States.

International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology
|September 11, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Precision medicine uses DNA damage assessments to target cancer. Understanding DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair vulnerabilities advances targeted therapies and selective cancer cell killing.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Bioinformatics

Background:

  • DNA damage, particularly DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), is a critical factor in cancer development and a primary target for anticancer therapies.
  • Tumor-specific molecular vulnerabilities in DSB repair pathways present challenges for effective precision medicine applications.
  • Interindividual differences in DSB repair mechanisms necessitate tailored therapeutic strategies for optimal cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanisms of DSB repair in cancer.
  • To explore how advanced technologies like CRISPR/Cas9 and AI/machine learning enhance understanding of DSB repair choice.
  • To lay the foundation for advancing precision medicine through precise targeting of individual cancer vulnerabilities.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on DNA double-strand break repair pathways in cancer.
  • Inclusion of recent findings from CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technologies.
  • Integration of insights from machine learning and artificial intelligence applications in cancer research.

Main Results:

  • CRISPR/Cas9 and AI/machine learning are revolutionizing the understanding of determinants in DSB repair pathway choice.
  • These advancements offer new avenues for identifying and targeting unique tumor vulnerabilities.
  • Convergence of scientific innovation in diagnostics and therapeutics is driving precision medicine.

Conclusions:

  • Precisely targeting unique individual mechanisms of DNA damage repair is key to advancing precision medicine in oncology.
  • A deeper understanding of DSB repair variations enables the design of more effective and selective anticancer therapies.
  • Continued innovation in basic and translational research is crucial for realizing the full potential of precision medicine.
Keywords:
Artificial intelligenceDSB repairHomologous recombinationMachine learningNonhomologous end joiningPrecision medicineRisk prediction

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