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Mechanisms and clinical significance of multidrug resistance
1Division of Cancer Treatment, NCI.
Abstract:
Tumor cells often become refractory to diverse drugs with different mechanisms of cytotoxic action. This paper reviews the current state of our knowledge of multidrug resistance, the limitations of present concepts to fully explain the diversity of the MDR phenotypes, and the clinical relevance of these studies derived largely from cell culture systems. The authors discuss the use of markers associated with the multi-drug resistance phenotype to identify potentially drug-resistant tumors and outline strategies that might be used to overcome the resistance phenomenon.
Insights
This review examines multidrug resistance (MDR) in tumor cells, highlighting limitations in current understanding and clinical relevance. It explores strategies to identify and overcome drug resistance for improved cancer treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Tumor cells frequently develop resistance to various chemotherapy drugs.
- Multidrug resistance (MDR) presents a significant challenge in cancer treatment.
- Current understanding of MDR phenotypes has limitations in fully explaining resistance diversity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current knowledge on multidrug resistance in cancer.
- To discuss the limitations of existing MDR concepts and their clinical relevance.
- To outline strategies for overcoming drug resistance in tumors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of multidrug resistance mechanisms.
- Analysis of cell culture studies and their clinical applicability.
- Discussion of potential markers for identifying drug-resistant tumors.
Main Results:
- MDR is a complex phenomenon with diverse phenotypes.
- Current models inadequately explain the full spectrum of MDR.
- Cell culture findings require careful consideration for clinical relevance.
Conclusions:
- Identifying markers for MDR is crucial for predicting treatment response.
- Developing strategies to overcome MDR is essential for effective cancer therapy.
- Further research is needed to bridge the gap between cell culture findings and clinical application.