Advanced imaging uncovers genomic Achilles' heel that makes cancer cells vulnerable

A small subset of vulnerable DNA sites can make cancer cells highly sensitive to targeted drugs called PARP inhibitors, a new study shows. Led by researchers at NYU Langone Health and its Perlmutter Cancer Center, the work revolved around failures of DNA to copy itself at certain sites in genetic chains, which it must do for cells to divide and multiply as part of healing and growth. Cancerous cells depend on protective mechanisms that have evolved to overcome these failures when they are triggered by cancer drugs.