[DNA repair--a new molecular target of anticancer therapy].

DNA-damaging agents and radiation have a central role besides other cancer treatment modalities currently. The balance between DNA damage and capacity of DNA repair mechanisms determines the final therapeutic outcome. An elevated ability of cancer cells to recognize DNA damage and initiate DNA repair pathways is an important mechanism for therapeutic resistance and has a negative impact upon therapeutic efficacy.

A link between the p53 germ line polymorphisms and white blood cells apoptosis in lung cancer patients.

The p53 protein acts as a checkpoint in the cell cycle, either preventing or initiating apoptosis. Since cancer is the unchecked proliferation of cells, p53s role is critical. Thus, we have sought a link between the p53 polymorphisms and apoptosis.