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Mechanisms of multidrug resistance in cancer

Jean-Pierre Gillet1, Michael M Gottesman

  • 1Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.

Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|December 2, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer treatment is a major challenge. Understanding cellular mechanisms and improving in vivo studies are crucial for developing effective cancer therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a significant obstacle in cancer chemotherapy.
  • Resistance arises from diverse cellular mechanisms, including altered drug transport and metabolism.
  • ATP-binding cassette transporters play a key role in MDR.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review cellular mechanisms underlying MDR.
  • To highlight the limitations of in vitro studies in translating findings to clinical practice.
  • To discuss the need for translational research in understanding and overcoming MDR.

Main Methods:

  • Summary of current knowledge on MDR mechanisms.
  • Emphasis on ATP-binding cassette transporters.
  • Discussion of translational research strategies.

Main Results:

  • MDR involves multiple cellular processes like reduced drug uptake and increased efflux.
  • In vitro characterization of MDR mechanisms has not translated effectively to clinical success.
  • Identifying in vivo mechanisms and reliable clinical sample analysis are critical.

Conclusions:

  • Translational research is essential for significant progress in understanding MDR.
  • Developing methods to predict and circumvent resistance is key for improved cancer treatment.
  • A comprehensive understanding of MDR's pleiotropic response is needed.

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