Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and Ribonucleic acid (RNA) (DNA and RNA)

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and Ribonucleic acid (RNA) are the fundamental biopolymers that store and transmit genetic information, serving as the essential templates for cellular replication and protein synthesis (National Human Genome Research Institute, 2023). In the context of oncology, these molecules are the primary targets for traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy, which exploits the biological vulnerability of rapidly dividing cells that require constant nucleic acid synthesis and repair (StatPearls, 2023). Therapeutic agents such as alkylating agents, antimetabolites, and intercalators disrupt the structural integrity or the biosynthetic pathways of DNA and RNA, leading to cell cycle arrest and programmed cell death (NCI, 2024). While these treatments are effective at reducing tumor burden, they lack high specificity for malignant cells and consequently damage healthy, high-turnover tissues like the bone marrow, hair follicles, and gastrointestinal lining (American Cancer Society, 2024). This lack of selectivity results in characteristic side effects such as myelosuppression and mucositis, which often limit the dosage and duration of therapy (Mayo Clinic, 2023). Understanding the dynamics of DNA and RNA in the cell cycle remains critical for optimizing combination regimens and managing the systemic impact of these foundational anti-cancer treatments (PubMed, 2022).

Other names

Nucleic acidsGenetic materialGenomic DNAMessenger RNARibosomal RNATransfer RNAPolynucleotides

Drugs targeting DNA and RNA in rapidly dividing cells primarily act through DNA alkylation, intercalation, inhibition of nucleotide synthesis (antimetabolites), and interference with topoisomerase enzymes to induce apoptosis (StatPearls, 2023; NCI, 2024).