ATR inhibitors show a positive response in two animal models

Tumors are groups of cells that divide without control, accumulating multiple chromosomal and DNA mutations. These alterations are triggered in part by replicative stress. To survive, tumor cells need the intervention of the damage response protein ATR, known for its role as guardian of genome integrity, to which they become addicted. After eight years of work, a team has discovered that blocking this protein has anti-tumor effects in several animal models of cancer.