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Multiple drug resistance.
L A Mitscher1, S P Pillai, E J Gentry
1Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Kansas University, Lawrence, Kansas 66045-2506, USA. lmitscher@rx.pharm.ukans.edu
Medicinal Research Reviews
|November 11, 1999
Summary
Drug resistance to antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiprotozoal, and antitumor agents is a growing global health threat. This review explores the origins, scope, current strategies, and future directions for combating antimicrobial and anticancer drug resistance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
Background:
- Multiple drug resistance (MDR) has dramatically increased across antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiprotozoal, and antitumor agents.
- This escalating resistance poses a significant threat to the efficacy of current chemotherapy treatments in diverse medical fields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the origins and current extent of MDR.
- To summarize existing methods for combating MDR.
- To highlight promising future strategies for overcoming drug resistance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific publications on drug resistance.
- Synthesis of information on the causes and prevalence of MDR.
- Analysis of current therapeutic approaches and future research directions.
Main Results:
- Drug resistance is a complex phenomenon with diverse origins.
- The scope of MDR is extensive, impacting multiple classes of therapeutic agents.
- Various strategies are being employed, but novel approaches are urgently needed.
Conclusions:
- Addressing MDR requires a multifaceted approach, integrating current knowledge with innovative research.
- Continued research into the mechanisms of resistance and development of new therapeutic agents is critical.
- Effective management of MDR is essential to preserve the success of chemotherapy and public health.