The primary subtypes of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) include clear cell, papillary and chromophobe RCC. RCC occurs often due to loss of von Hippel‑Lindau (VHL) and accumulation of lipids and glycogen, and RCC cells may exhibit sensitivity to the disruption of normal metabolism or homologous recombination gene defect. Although the application of molecular‑targeted drugs (tyrosine kinase inhibitors) and immune checkpoint inhibitors has been recommended for the treatment of advanced RCC, more targets of DNA damage repair (DDR) signaling pathway involved in the synthetic lethal effect have been investigated. However, although achievements has been made in the exploration of the roles of DDR genes on RCC progression, their association has not been systematically summarized. Poly (ADP‑ribose) polymerase (PARP) 1 inhibitors are used in tumors with BRCA1/2 DNA repair‑associated mutations. PARP family enzymes perform post‑translational modification functions and participate in DDR and cell death. Inhibitors of PARP, ataxia telangiectasia mutant gene and polymerase θ serve key roles in the treatment of specific RCC subtypes. PARP1 may serve as an important biological marker to predict the therapeutic effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors and evaluate the prognosis of patients with ccRCC with polybromo 1 mutation. Therefore, the roles of DDR pathway on RCC progression or treatment may hold promises for the treatment of certain specific types of RCC.
Keywords: DNA damage repair; poly (ADP‑ribose) polymerase; renal cell carcinoma; synthetic lethal; targeted therapy.