Targeting DNA damage response pathways in tumor drug resistance: Mechanisms, clinical implications, and future

Hengzhou Zhu1, Yuanyang Tian2, Haoyan Chen3

  • 1Department of Oncology, Wuxi Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, China; School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, NT, Hong Kong, China.

Insights

Targeting DNA damage response (DDR) pathways offers cancer treatment promise, but tumors develop resistance. Understanding these resistance mechanisms is key to developing new therapies for better patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Targeting DNA damage response (DDR) pathways is a key strategy against cancers with repair defects.
  • Tumor resistance to DDR-targeted therapies, like PARP inhibitors, is a significant clinical challenge.
  • Mechanisms of resistance include pathway restoration, protein mutations, and altered drug metabolism.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively review the molecular mechanisms of DDR resistance in tumors.
  • To explore the clinical implications of DDR resistance mechanisms.
  • To discuss emerging strategies for overcoming DDR resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and analysis of existing research on DDR pathways and resistance.
  • Synthesis of information on molecular mechanisms, clinical implications, and therapeutic strategies.
  • Identification of future research directions and technological advancements.

Main Results:

  • Detailed analysis of various resistance mechanisms, including HR restoration and compensatory pathways.
  • Exploration of clinical relevance of these mechanisms in current treatment paradigms.
  • Identification of novel therapeutic approaches, including combination therapies and biomarker-driven precision medicine.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding DDR resistance mechanisms is crucial for improving cancer therapy efficacy.
  • Novel DDR inhibitors, combination therapies, and precision medicine hold promise for overcoming resistance.
  • Advanced technologies like CRISPR screening and AI are vital for future discoveries in DDR resistance.

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