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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
Patient-Derived Tumor Explants As a "Live" Preclinical Platform for Predicting Drug Resistance in Patients
Published on: February 7, 2021
[Research advance on role of tumor microenvironment in mediating acquired drug resistance]
Xiao-Li Ma1, Hui Xing, Ding Ma
1Cancer Biology Medical Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China.
Abstract:
The emergence of clinical drug resistance continues to be an obstacle for the successful treatment of cancer. In the past twenty years, our primary understanding of the mechanisms associated with drug resistance has been ascertained through investigating unicellular drug-resistant models. These models are critical in elucidating drug-resistant mechanism and have aided in the identification of drug targets in some cases. However, these models do not address resistance mechanisms that contribute to acquired drug resistance. Therefore, to improve the efficacy of cancer chemotherapy, seeking and identifying the mechanisms of acquired drug resistance has become a hotspot in current researches. Many researches have suggested that tumor microenvironment plays an important role in mediating acquired drug resistance and confers resistance to physiologic mediators of cell death. The specific niches within it may provide a sanctuary for subpopulations of tumor cells that affords a survival advantage following initial drug exposure and may promote acquired drug resistance. Our review focused on tumor microenvironment and its role in mediating acquired drug resistance.
Insights
Clinical drug resistance hinders cancer treatment. This review highlights how the tumor microenvironment, not just individual cells, drives acquired drug resistance, offering new therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Clinical drug resistance remains a significant challenge in cancer therapy.
- Traditional unicellular models have limitations in explaining acquired drug resistance.
- The tumor microenvironment is increasingly recognized for its role in treatment failure.
Purpose:
- To review the role of the tumor microenvironment in mediating acquired drug resistance.
- To explore how specific tumor microenvironment niches contribute to cancer cell survival and resistance.
- To identify potential therapeutic strategies targeting the tumor microenvironment for overcoming drug resistance.
Summary:
- Acquired drug resistance in cancer is a complex process.
- Unicellular models inadequately represent the mechanisms of acquired resistance.
- The tumor microenvironment provides protective niches for cancer cells, promoting survival and resistance to therapy.
Impact:
- Understanding the tumor microenvironment's role is crucial for developing effective cancer chemotherapy.
- Identifying resistance mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment can lead to novel drug targets.
- This review provides insights for improving patient outcomes by addressing treatment resistance.
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