Nucleoside analogs as a radiosensitizer modulating DNA repair, cell cycle checkpoints, and apoptosis

Abstract

The combination of low dose of radiation and an anticancer drug is a potent strategy for cancer therapy. Nucleoside analogs are known to have a radiosensitizing effects via the inhibition of DNA damage repair after irradiation. Certain types of nucleoside analogs have the inhibitory effects on RNA synthesis, but not DNA synthesis, with multiple functions in cell cycle modulation and apoptosis. In this review, the most up-to-date findings regarding radiosensitizing nucleoside analogs will be discussed, focusing especially on the mechanisms of action.

Keywords:

• Radiosensitization
• DNA damage repair
• 3′-ethynylcytidine (ECyd)
• apoptosis
• cell cycle checkpoint

Declaration of interest

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.