Enhancing radiotherapy through a greater understanding of homologous recombination.

ABSTRACT: Radiotherapy for the treatment of cancer can cause a wide range of cellular effects, the most biologically potent of which is the double-strand break in DNA. The process of repairing DNA double-strand breaks involves 1 of 2 major mechanisms: nonhomologous end joining or homologous recombination. In this review, we review the molecular mechanisms of homologous recombination, in particular as it relates to the repair of DNA damage from ionizing radiation. We also present specific situations in which homologous recombination may be dysfunctional in human cancers and how this functional abnormality can be recognized. We also discuss the therapeutic opportunities that can be exploited based on deficiencies in homologous recombination at various steps in the DNA repair pathway. Side-by-side with

SUBMITTER: Barker CA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4972489 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature