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Nitric oxide: Friend or Foe in Cancer Chemotherapy and Drug Resistance: A Perspective

Birandra K Sinha1

  • 1Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA.

Journal of Cancer Science & Therapy
|December 18, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Nitric oxide (NO) plays a crucial role in overcoming cancer drug resistance by affecting topoisomerases and enhancing anticancer drug efficacy. This research explores NO

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Cancer treatment faces challenges due to multidrug resistance in tumor cells.
  • Established resistance mechanisms include P-glycoprotein 170 overexpression and altered enzyme activity.
  • The role of nitric oxide (NO) in cancer drug resistance is largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the significance of nitric oxide in overcoming cancer drug resistance.
  • To examine the impact of NO on topoisomerases and resistance to topoisomerase-targeting drugs.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and analysis of existing research on nitric oxide and cancer drug resistance.
  • Examination of NO's effects on key cellular mechanisms involved in drug resistance, including topoisomerases.

Main Results:

  • Nitric oxide and related species are identified as significant factors in cancer treatment and drug resistance.
  • NO influences topoisomerase activity and impacts the development of resistance to topoisomerase-inhibiting drugs.

Conclusions:

  • Nitric oxide represents a novel therapeutic target for overcoming multidrug resistance in cancer.
  • Understanding NO's role can lead to improved strategies for cancer treatment and enhanced drug efficacy.

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