Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase (PARP) Inhibitors

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors are drugs that block the activity of PARP enzymes, which help repair damaged DNA in cells. In cancer treatment, particularly for tumors with certain genetic mutations (like BRCA mutations), PARP inhibitors prevent cancer cells from fixing their DNA, leading to cell death. This targeted approach makes PARP inhibitors effective against some cancers while sparing normal cells, reducing side effects. They are an important part of personalized cancer therapy, offering a focused attack on tumor cells reliant on PARP for DNA repair.