DNA Repair Inhibition: A New Mechanism of Action of Steroids with Possible Implications for Tumor Therapy

Abstract

A number of steroids have been demonstrated to be inhibitors of DNA repair replication in normal human lymphocytes. This inhibitory capability is a previously unrecognized mechanism of action of these compounds. Because the alkylating agents and X-rays used in tumor therapy cause chemical alterations to cellular DNA of a type which can be repaired by the excision repair process, it is suggested that repair inhibitory steroids may be useful in conjunction with treatment involving alkylating agents or X-rays.