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Published on: February 16, 2015
Chemoresistance in gliomas
1Brain Tumour North West, Faculty of Science, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK.
Abstract:
Despite improved knowledge and advanced treatments of gliomas, the overall survival rate for glioma patients remains low. Gliomas comprise of significant cell heterogeneity that contains a large number of multidrug resistant (MDR) phenotypes and cancer stem cells (CSCs), a combination that may contribute to the resistance to treatment. This article reviews the MDR related genes, major-vault protein (MVP), anti-apoptotic protein (Bcl-2) and the molecular mechanisms that may contribute to chemoresistance, in addition to the upregulated MDR phenotypes present in CSCs that has recently been identified in gliomas. Moreover, future potential therapies that modulate MDR phenotypes and CSCs are also reviewed. An improved understanding of MDR may lead to a combined treatment, targeting both CSCs and their protective MDR phenotypes leading eventually to attractive strategies for the treatment of gliomas.
Insights
Glioma treatment faces challenges due to multidrug resistance (MDR) and cancer stem cells (CSCs). Targeting these factors offers new therapeutic strategies for improving glioma patient survival rates.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Molecular Medicine
Background:
- Gliomas have a poor survival rate despite advances in treatment.
- Tumor heterogeneity, including multidrug resistant (MDR) phenotypes and cancer stem cells (CSCs), contributes to treatment resistance in gliomas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular mechanisms and genes associated with MDR in gliomas.
- To discuss the role of MDR phenotypes in glioma CSCs.
- To explore potential future therapies targeting MDR and CSCs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of MDR-related genes (e.g., MVP, Bcl-2).
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms contributing to chemoresistance.
- Examination of upregulated MDR phenotypes in glioma CSCs.
Main Results:
- MDR phenotypes and CSCs are key contributors to glioma treatment failure.
- Specific genes like MVP and Bcl-2 are implicated in MDR.
- Upregulated MDR phenotypes are identified within glioma CSCs.
Conclusions:
- Understanding MDR mechanisms is crucial for developing effective glioma treatments.
- Combined therapies targeting both CSCs and their MDR phenotypes show promise.
- Novel strategies are needed to overcome chemoresistance and improve patient outcomes.
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