DNA Adducts in Cancer Chemotherapy

DNA adducting drugs, including alkylating agents and platinum-containing drugs, are prominent in cancer chemotherapy. Their mechanisms of action involve direct interaction with DNA, resulting in the formation of DNA addition products known as DNA adducts. While these adducts are well-accepted to induce cancer cell death, understanding of their specific chemotypes and their role in drug therapy response remain limited. This perspective aims to address this gap by investigating the metabolic activation and chemical characterization of DNA adducts formed by the U.S. FDA-approved drugs. Moreover, clinical studies on DNA adducts as potential biomarkers for predicting patient responses to drug efficacy are examined. The overarching goal is to engage the interest of medicinal chemists and stimulate further research into the use of DNA adducts as biomarkers for guiding personalized cancer treatment.