Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026

Implementation of In Vitro Drug Resistance Assays: Maximizing the Potential for Uncovering Clinically Relevant Resistance Mechanisms
Published on: December 9, 2015
Exploiting nanotechnology to overcome tumor drug resistance: Challenges and opportunities
Ameya R Kirtane1, Stephen M Kalscheuer, Jayanth Panyam
1Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
Abstract:
Tumor cells develop resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs through multiple mechanisms. Overexpression of efflux transporters is an important source of drug resistance. Efflux transporters such as P-glycoprotein reduce intracellular drug accumulation and compromise drug efficacy. Various nanoparticle-based approaches have been investigated to overcome efflux-mediated resistance. These include the use of formulation excipients that inhibit transporter activity and co-delivery of the anticancer drug with a specific inhibitor of transporter function or expression. However, the effectiveness of nanoparticles can be diminished by poor transport in the tumor tissue. Hence, adjunct therapies that improve the intratumoral distribution of nanoparticles may be vital to the successful application of nanotechnology to overcome tumor drug resistance. This review discusses the mechanisms of tumor drug resistance and highlights the opportunities and challenges in the use of nanoparticles to improve the efficacy of anticancer drugs against resistant tumors.
Insights
Nanoparticles offer strategies to overcome chemotherapy resistance by targeting efflux transporters. Improving nanoparticle delivery within tumors is crucial for enhancing anticancer drug efficacy against resistant cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Tumor cells develop resistance to chemotherapy through various mechanisms, notably the overexpression of efflux transporters like P-glycoprotein.
- Efflux transporters reduce intracellular drug concentration, thereby compromising the efficacy of anticancer treatments.
- Nanoparticle-based strategies are being explored to circumvent efflux-mediated drug resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms underlying tumor drug resistance.
- To highlight the potential of nanoparticles in overcoming resistance mediated by efflux transporters.
- To discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with using nanotechnology against resistant tumors.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of efflux transporter mechanisms in drug resistance.
- Review of nanoparticle-based approaches for overcoming efflux-mediated resistance.
- Analysis of adjunct therapies to improve nanoparticle intratumoral distribution.
Main Results:
- Overexpression of efflux transporters is a key mechanism of chemotherapy resistance.
- Nanoparticles can inhibit transporter activity or co-deliver drugs with transporter inhibitors.
- Poor nanoparticle distribution within tumors can limit treatment effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- Nanotechnology presents promising avenues for enhancing anticancer drug efficacy in resistant tumors.
- Adjunct therapies improving intratumoral nanoparticle distribution are vital for successful nanomedicine applications.
- Further research is needed to optimize nanoparticle delivery and overcome drug resistance.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Treatment Resistant Cancers
Treatment Resistent Cancers
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...

