DNA Repair Mechanisms and Cancer: A Comprehensive Review

1Seth Baffoe, 2Amofah Binney, 3Zachariah Oppong, & 4Akowuah Michael

1Howard University College of medicine Washington DC,
2University of Illinois Urbana Champaigne, Chicago,
3University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary,
4University of medical sciences, Havana, Cuba.
DOI – http://doi.org/10.37502/IJSMR.2026.9502

Abstract

DNA repair mechanisms are vital processes that protect the integrity of the genome and ensure that cells function normally over time. Every day, DNA is exposed to damage from normal cellular metabolism, environmental toxins, radiation, and errors that occur during replication. If these damages are not properly repaired, they can lead to permanent mutations, chromosomal instability, and eventually the development of cancer. For this reason, DNA repair is one of the most important safeguards against malignant transformation.

Cells have developed several repair systems to deal with different types of DNA damage. Some pathways correct small, single-base changes, while others repair larger structural damage such as breaks in both strands of DNA. These systems work together in a highly coordinated way to detect damage, signal its presence, remove the affected section, and restore the correct DNA sequence. This coordination is closely linked with cell cycle checkpoints, which help prevent cells from dividing when their DNA is damaged.

When these repair systems are defective, the consequences can be severe. Mutations begin to accumulate at a faster rate, affecting genes that control cell growth, division, and programmed cell death. Over time, this can lead to the transformation of normal cells into cancer cells. Many well-known cancer syndromes are linked to inherited defects in DNA repair genes, and in many sporadic cancers, these pathways are also disrupted. In addition, loss of repair capacity can make tumors more genetically unstable, allowing them to evolve and become more aggressive or resistant to treatment.

Recent research has shown that DNA damage is often closely linked to the process of DNA replication. As cells divide rapidly, especially in cancer, they experience replication stress that can lead to broken or stalled DNA strands. Cancer cells often rely heavily on backup repair pathways to survive this stress. Scientists have also discovered additional mechanisms that help cells tolerate or bypass DNA damage, revealing a more complex network of repair than was previously understood.

These discoveries have important implications for cancer treatment. One of the most promising approaches is to target weaknesses in tumor cells that already have defective repair systems. By blocking alternative repair pathways, it is possible to selectively kill cancer cells while sparing normal cells. Some therapies already in use exploit this idea, and ongoing research is identifying new drug targets that interfere with the DNA damage response.

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