In the world of genome repair analysis, much attention has been focused on the mechanism underlying error-free repair of DNA double-strand breaks. This process, which involves homologous recombination— based repair, warrants close attention, not least because failure to repair double-strand breaks can be lethal. Similarly, disorderly repair can result in loss of chromosomal integrity and spur tumor development. Three recent studies emphasize the complex nature of the suspected link between the homologous recombination mechanism in mammalian cells and the suppression of cancer.