Insights into DNA-drug interactions in the era of omics

Despite the rise of sophisticated new targeting strategies in cancer chemotherapy, many classic DNA‐binding drugs remain on the front line of the therapy against cancer. Based on examples primarily from the author's laboratory, this article reviews the capabilities of several DNA‐binding drugs to alter gene expression. Research is ongoing about the molecular bases of the inhibition of gene expression and how alteration of the cellular transcriptome can commit cancer cells to die. The development of a variety of omic techniques allows us to gain insights into the effect of antitumor drugs. Genome‐wide approaches provide unbiased genomic data that can facilitate a deeper understanding of the cellular response to DNA‐binding drugs. Moreover, the results of large‐scale genomic studies are gathered in publicly available databases that can be used in developing precision medicine in cancer treatment.