In this article, we will discuss Olaparib and BRCA Mutations: Synthetic Lethality. So, let’s get started.
Synthetic lethality refers to a state where the combination of two genetic alterations leads to cell death, while each alteration alone is survivable. In the context of olaparib and BRCA mutations, the drug exploits this phenomenon by inhibiting PARP in cells already compromised by BRCA mutations, ultimately causing cancer cell death.
DNA Repair Inhibition
BRCA-mutated cancer cells rely heavily on PARP for DNA repair. Olaparib disrupts this repair process, inducing the accumulation of DNA damage within cancer cells. This inability to repair DNA effectively leads to cell death, specifically targeting cancer cells with BRCA mutations.