Advanced technological tools to study multidrug resistance in cancer.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Biotechnology
• Genomics

Background:

• Cancer complexity arises from multi-omic alterations, environmental factors, and lifestyle, leading to multidrug resistance (MDR).
• Efficacious cancer therapy remains a challenge due to the emergence of MDR mechanisms.
• Advanced technologies are crucial for identifying and characterizing MDR to guide treatment selection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present technological tools for overcoming cancer drug resistance in the next decade.
• To highlight the importance of identifying genes and RNAs contributing to MDR.
• To discuss the adaptation of existing techniques for studying cancer cell behavior.

Main Methods:

• Next-generation sequencing for identifying genes and RNAs involved in MDR.
• Atomic force microscopy (AFM) for real-time monitoring of molecular and cellular changes.
• Live-cell imaging and cell tracking for quantitative analysis of cell dynamics.
• Novel 3D culture systems mimicking the tumor microenvironment.

Main Results:

• These technologies enhance the ability to characterize cancer MDR.
• Identification of MDR-associated genes and RNAs is vital for developing new therapeutic strategies.
• AFM and live-cell imaging provide insights into drug-induced cellular alterations.
• 3D culture systems are suitable for studying aggressive and drug-resistant cancer phenotypes.

Conclusions:

• Technological advancements are key to surmounting multidrug resistance in cancer.
• Future applications include using phenotype-driven 3D cultures with patient biopsies.
• These tools will aid in selecting effective cancer therapies and preventing ineffective treatments.