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[MDR (multidrug resistance) in hepatocarcinoma clinical-therapeutic implications]

L Petraccia1, P Onori, R Sferra

  • 1Dipartimento di Clinica e Terapia Medica Applicata Università di Roma La Sapienza, Roma, Italia.

La Clinica Terapeutica
|March 5, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major challenge in cancer therapy, involving drug efflux pumps. Overcoming MDR in hepatocellular carcinoma may require alternative strategies like gene therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a significant obstacle in treating cancers and other diseases.
  • MDR involves cross-resistance to various drugs, often mediated by ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transport proteins like P-glycoprotein (Pgp) and multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs).
  • Other transporters, including TAP, CFTR, ABCG2 (BCRP), and LRP, also contribute to MDR.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize current knowledge on multidrug resistance (MDR).
  • To focus on MDR mechanisms and implications in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
  • To explore alternative therapeutic strategies for overcoming MDR in HCC.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and knowledge summarization.
  • Analysis of MDR mechanisms, including transporter activity.
  • Examination of the link between MDR and angiogenesis in HCC.
  • Evaluation of gene therapy approaches for MDR reversal.

Main Results:

  • MDR is prevalent across many cancer types and other diseases.
  • Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) exhibits significant chemoresistance, partly linked to MDR and angiogenesis.
  • Various ABC transporters and other proteins are implicated in MDR.
  • Gene therapy using antisense oligonucleotides and ribozymes shows promise for overcoming MDR.

Conclusions:

  • MDR remains a critical challenge in cancer therapy, particularly in hepatocellular carcinoma.
  • Understanding MDR mechanisms is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies.
  • Alternative therapies, such as gene therapy, are essential for overcoming the chemoresistance of HCC.

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