DNA Repair Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets in Glioma

Purpose of Review: This review discusses current and investigative strategies for targeting DNA repair in the management of glioma. Recent Findings: Recent strategies in glioma treatment rely on the production of overwhelming DNA damage and inhibition of repair mechanisms, resulting in lethal cytotoxicity. Many strategies are effective in preclinical glioma models while clinical feasibility remains under investigation. The presence of glioma biomarkers, including IDH mutation and/or MGMT promoter methylation, may confer particular susceptibility to DNA damage and inhibition of repair. These biomarkers have been adopted as eligibility criteria in the design of multiple ongoing clinical trials. Summary: Targeting DNA repair mechanisms with novel agents or therapeutic combinations is a promising approach to the treatment of glioma. Further investigations are underway to optimize this approach in the clinical setting.