The Different Mechanisms of Cancer Drug Resistance: A Brief Review

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Behzad Mansoori1,2, Ali Mohammadi1,2, Sadaf Davudian1

  • 1Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.

Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin
|October 27, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Cancer drug resistance is a complex challenge, often stemming from altered drug targets. This review explores resistance mechanisms and treatment failures, highlighting the need for advanced strategies against advanced cancers.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Anticancer drug resistance is a significant hurdle in cancer treatment.
  • Mechanisms of resistance are diverse and complex, involving genetic and cellular alterations.
  • Despite advances, effective treatments for advanced cancers with metastasis remain elusive.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted mechanisms of anticancer drug resistance.
  • To discuss treatment failures associated with common chemotherapy agents.
  • To highlight emerging strategies for overcoming drug resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific articles on cancer drug resistance.
  • Analysis of mechanisms including target alteration, multi-drug resistance, and apoptosis suppression.
  • Examination of genetic factors, epigenetics, and DNA repair in resistance.

Main Results:

  • Cancer drug resistance arises from alterations in drug targets and various cellular mechanisms.
  • Factors contributing to resistance include individual genetic differences and acquired resistance.
  • Common chemotherapy agents often fail in advanced cancer stages due to these resistance mechanisms.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding cancer drug resistance mechanisms is crucial for developing effective therapies.
  • Targeted therapies and advanced strategies are needed to overcome resistance in advanced cancers.
  • Further research into genetic and epigenetic factors is essential for improving treatment outcomes.
Keywords:
CancerCell death inhibitingDrug resistanceEpigeneticMulti-drug resistancemicroRNA

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