The DNA-topoisomerase Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy
Stefano Mastrangelo
, Giorgio Attina’, Silvia Triarico, Alberto Romano, Palma Maurizi and Antonio Ruggiero*Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Universita’ Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
Corresponding Author E-mail: antonio.ruggiero@unicatt.it
Abstract: DNA-topoisomerases are ubiquitous enzymes essential for major cellular processes. In recent years, interest in DNA-topoisomerases has increased not only because of their crucial role in promoting DNA replication and transcription processes, but also because they are the target of numerous active ingredients. The possibility of exploiting for therapeutic purposes the blocking of the activity of these enzymes has led to the development of a new class of anticancer agents capable of inducing apoptosis of tumor cells following DNA damage and its failure to repair.
Keywords: Campothecins; Inhibitors; Topoisomerases Back to TOC