Tumor cell DNA and RNA synthesis

Tumor cell DNA and RNA synthesis refers to the metabolic and enzymatic processes required for the replication of the genome and the transcription of genetic information into functional RNA molecules [StatPearls]. In oncology, this process is a primary target for traditional cytotoxic chemotherapies because cancer cells typically exhibit higher rates of nucleic acid synthesis compared to most normal cells to support uncontrolled proliferation [National Cancer Institute]. Drugs targeting these pathways include antimetabolites, which interfere with nucleotide biosynthesis, and agents that directly damage the DNA template or inhibit enzymes like topoisomerases and polymerases [American Cancer Society]. By disrupting the integrity and production of DNA and RNA, these therapies trigger cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in malignant cells [StatPearls]. However, because these processes are also essential for normal cell types that divide rapidly, such as those in the bone marrow and gut, treatment often results in significant systemic toxicities [National Cancer Institute].

Other names

Nucleic acid synthesisDNA replication and transcriptionDe novo nucleotide synthesis

Drugs targeting this process act by inhibiting the enzymes required for nucleotide synthesis (antimetabolites), directly damaging the DNA template (alkylating agents), or interfering with the enzymes that manage DNA topology and polymerisation (topoisomerase inhibitors and polymerase inhibitors) [StatPearls, American Cancer Society].