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Microtubule alterations and resistance to tubulin-binding agents (review)

Sima Drukman1, Maria Kavallaris

  • 1Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, High Street (P.O. Box 81), Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia.

International Journal of Oncology
|August 9, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Drug resistance in cancer treatment often stems from changes in the tubulin/microtubule system. This review explores these alterations and promising new antimicrotubule drugs for resistant tumors.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Antimitotic drugs (vinca alkaloids, taxanes) are crucial cancer treatments.
  • Tumor cells can develop resistance, limiting drug efficacy.
  • Alterations in the tubulin/microtubule system are increasingly recognized as a key mechanism of resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review tubulin/microtubule alterations associated with resistance to tubulin-binding agents.
  • To discuss novel antimicrotubule compounds for treating drug-resistant cancers.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on drug resistance mechanisms.
  • Analysis of clinical trial data for novel antimicrotubule agents.

Main Results:

  • Tubulin/microtubule alterations are a significant factor in resistance to standard antimitotic drugs.
  • Emerging antimicrotubule compounds show potential in overcoming existing resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding tubulin/microtubule alterations is vital for overcoming cancer drug resistance.
  • New therapeutic strategies targeting the microtubule system offer hope for patients with resistant tumors.

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