Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 3, 2026

Using RNA-sequencing to Detect Novel Splice Variants Related to Drug Resistance in In Vitro Cancer Models
09:58

Using RNA-sequencing to Detect Novel Splice Variants Related to Drug Resistance in In Vitro Cancer Models

Published on: December 9, 2016

14.2K

A view on drug resistance in cancer

Neil Vasan1,2, José Baselga1,2,3, David M Hyman4,5

  • 1Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.

Nature
|November 15, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Overcoming cancer drug resistance requires understanding its complex causes and implementing strategies like early detection, adaptive therapy, novel drugs, and personalized treatment based on cancer cell dependencies. This approach aims to improve therapeutic outcomes by addressing key resistance factors.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Cancer drug resistance is a significant clinical challenge, stemming from multiple interconnected factors.
  • Understanding the determinants of resistance is crucial for developing effective cancer therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To dissect the multifaceted problem of cancer drug resistance by identifying key determinants.
  • To propose generalizable solutions for overcoming therapeutic resistance in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • A reductionist approach was used to define and categorize the primary drivers of drug resistance.
  • Proposed solutions involve early tumor detection, adaptive therapy monitoring, novel drug development, and identification of cancer cell dependencies through high-throughput screening and data integration.

Main Results:

  • Key determinants of drug resistance include tumor burden, heterogeneity, physical barriers, the tumor microenvironment, undruggable targets, and therapeutic pressure consequences.
  • Four generalizable strategies to combat drug resistance were proposed, focusing on interception, adaptive monitoring, enhanced drug efficacy, and personalized dependency targeting.

Conclusions:

  • A synthesized approach, integrating early detection, adaptive monitoring, novel therapeutics, and personalized strategies, can inform optimal cancer treatment choices.
  • Addressing the identified determinants of drug resistance holds promise for improving patient outcomes and overcoming therapeutic limitations.

More Related Videos

Implementation of In Vitro Drug Resistance Assays: Maximizing the Potential for Uncovering Clinically Relevant Resistance Mechanisms08:46

Implementation of In Vitro Drug Resistance Assays: Maximizing the Potential for Uncovering Clinically Relevant Resistance Mechanisms

Published on: December 9, 2015

11.1K
Looking for Driver Pathways of Acquired Resistance to Targeted Therapy: Drug Resistant Subclone Generation and Sensitivity Restoring by Gene Knock-down08:59

Looking for Driver Pathways of Acquired Resistance to Targeted Therapy: Drug Resistant Subclone Generation and Sensitivity Restoring by Gene Knock-down

Published on: December 11, 2017

7.5K

Related Concept Videos

Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
3.6K
Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells02:53

Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells

Cancer cells accumulate genetic changes at an abnormally rapid rate due to the defects in the DNA repair mechanisms. From an evolutionary perspective, such genetic instability is advantageous for cancer development. Mutant cell lines accumulate a series of beneficial mutations that contribute to their progression into cancer.
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
6.8K
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
8.6K
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
5.8K
Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Maintenance02:40

Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Maintenance

Early diagnosis and treatment can often cure cancer. However, even with treatment, residual cells called cancer stem cells (CSC) might remain, often causing tumor recurrence. These cancer stem cells possess the potential for self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation and are often responsible for the therapeutic resistance displayed in most cancers.
Cancer stem cells are thought to originate from tissue-specific normal stem cells or progenitor cells. The normal stem cells usually reside in...
5.8K
Cancer02:18

Cancer

Cancers arise due to mutations in genes involved in the regulation of cell division, which leads to unrestricted cell proliferation. Modern science and medicine have made great strides in the understanding and treatment of cancer, including eradicating cancer in some patients. However, there is still no cure for cancer. This is largely due to the fact that cancer is a large group of many diseases.
53.3K