Utilizing the DNA Damage Response Mechanism for Cancer Treatments

Dear Colleagues,

The DNA damage response (DDR) is a fundamental cellular network that preserves genome integrity under endogenous and exogenous stress. In cancer, DDR pathways are frequently dysregulated. It enables tumor cells to tolerate genomic instability, adapt to metabolic and microenvironmental stress, and develop resistance to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted agents. At the same time, these alterations create exploitable vulnerabilities that can be leveraged for therapeutic benefit.

Recent discoveries have expanded the DDR framework beyond classical DNA repair to include emerging genes and non-canonical pathways involved in chromatin remodeling, RNA processing, metabolic adaptation, immune signaling, and replication stress tolerance. Herein, the DDR-targeted agents represent new therapeutic opportunities and are advancing toward clinical application through synthetic lethality-based approaches and rational combination strategies.

This Special Issue, Utilizing the DNA Damage Response Mechanism for Cancer Treatments, aims to highlight emerging DDR genes, pathways, and therapeutic strategies. This Special Issue seeks original research articles; reviews; and perspectives on molecular, translational, and preclinical or clinical studies. This Special Issue aims to advance DDR-based therapies and deepen our understanding of targeting this complex pathway in human tumors.

Dr. Daniel Chi-Wei Chen
Guest Editor

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