We have shown that inhibiting early occurring end-resection by Chk2 inhibition successfully killed Wwox-deficient MEFs by causing synthetic lethality, but did not affect viability of WT MEFs, suggesting that IR or platinum-based therapy, combined with inhibition of Chk2 activation could be a useful strategy to target Wwox-negative, treatment resistant cancers. The gene discussed is WWOX; the disease is cancer.