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Adhesion-dependent multicellular drug resistance

S K Green1, A Frankel, R S Kerbel

  • 1Division of Cancer Biology Research, Sunnybrook & Women's College Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Anti-Cancer Drug Design
|July 16, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Multicellular resistance (MR) in cancer occurs when cells stick together, making treatments less effective. This review explores how cell adhesion contributes to MR and suggests ways to overcome it in ascites tumors.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Multicellular resistance (MR) is a significant challenge in cancer therapy.
  • MR arises from cell-cell adhesion, particularly in three-dimensional culture models.
  • Understanding MR mechanisms is crucial for developing effective cancer treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review existing studies on multicellular resistance (MR).
  • To investigate the role of cell adhesion molecules in MR.
  • To propose strategies for overcoming MR in ascites tumors.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on intrinsic and acquired multicellular resistance.
  • Examination of cell adhesion molecules and their contribution to MR.
  • Analysis of in vitro three-dimensional culture models.

Main Results:

  • Multicellular resistance (MR) is observed at the multicellular level.
  • Cell adhesion is critical for recapitulating MR in vitro.
  • Cell adhesion molecules play a direct or indirect role in MR.

Conclusions:

  • Multicellular resistance (MR) poses a therapeutic challenge.
  • Cell adhesion is a key factor in MR development.
  • Targeting cell adhesion may offer a strategy to circumvent MR in ascites tumors.

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