What is the role of topoisomerase inhibitors?

Topoisomerase inhibitors play a crucial role in cancer treatment by disrupting the normal process of DNA replication and repair. They work by interfering with the activity of topoisomerases, enzymes that are essential for managing the topology of DNA during processes such as replication and transcription. When the function of these enzymes is inhibited, the DNA becomes tangled and cannot replicate properly. This disruption leads to the accumulation of DNA damage, which ultimately inhibits the growth and proliferation of cancer cells.

By targeting cancer cells specifically, topoisomerase inhibitors provide a mechanism to slow down or stop tumor growth, making them effective in the treatment of various cancers. This reduces the ability of cancer cells to recover from DNA damage, thus enhancing the overall effectiveness of cancer therapies.

The other options refer to processes not directly impacted by topoisomerase inhibitors; enhancing cell division, promoting healthy cell reproduction, or stimulating protein synthesis are not relevant to the mechanism of action of topoisomerase inhibitors.