DNA repair pathways as a novel therapeutic strategy in esophageal cancer: A review study

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Esophageal cancer (EC) is a prevalent malignancy with a poor global prognosis.
• DNA damage response (DDR) pathways, including homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), are critical for maintaining genomic stability.
• Altered DDR pathways are linked to cancer development, therapeutic resistance, and patient outcomes, yet remain poorly understood in EC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of DNA damage and repair processes in esophageal cancer.
• To explore the role of DDR pathway alterations in EC susceptibility and treatment resistance.
• To discuss novel therapeutic strategies targeting DNA repair machinery components for EC.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on DNA damage, repair pathways (HR, NHEJ), and DDR in esophageal cancer.
• Analysis of the association between DDR alterations and EC development, prognosis, and therapeutic response.
• Synthesis of information on emerging therapeutic strategies targeting DNA repair mechanisms in EC.

Main Results:

• DDR pathway alterations are implicated in EC, but their specific roles are not fully elucidated.
• Targeting DNA repair pathways presents a promising avenue for novel EC treatments.
• Understanding these mechanisms may lead to overcoming therapeutic resistance in EC.

Conclusions:

• Further research into DDR alterations in EC is warranted to identify specific gene targets.
• Targeting DNA repair machinery offers potential for developing innovative therapies for esophageal cancer.
• This review highlights the importance of DDR pathways in EC and their therapeutic potential.