The synergy between alkylating agents and ERCC1–XPF inhibitors is p53 dependent

DNA repair plays a major role in maintaining genomic stability, thus limiting the transformation of normal cells into cancer cells. However, in cancer patients treated with DNA-targeting drugs, DNA repair can decrease efficacy by removing the damage generated by such molecules that is needed to induce pharmacological activity. Inhibiting DNA repair thus represents an interesting approach to potentiating the activity of chemotherapy in this setting.