Dysregulated Signalling Pathways Driving Anticancer Drug Resistance

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cancer Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Cancer remains a leading global cause of death, with drug resistance significantly limiting therapeutic success.
• Intrinsic and acquired resistance mechanisms are key drivers of cancer relapse and treatment failure.
• Numerous factors, including tumor microenvironment and signaling pathways, regulate cancer progression and drug resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of intrinsic and acquired cancer drug resistance mechanisms.
• To highlight key signaling pathways involved in cancer drug resistance.
• To underscore the importance of understanding these mechanisms for future cancer treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

• This review synthesizes recent research on cancer drug resistance.
• It examines various factors regulating tumorigenesis and resistance.
• Key signaling pathways implicated in resistance are discussed.

Main Results:

• Cancer cells develop intrinsic and acquired resistance through diverse mechanisms.
• Factors like tumor microenvironment, heterogeneity, and genetic alterations play critical roles.
• Signaling pathways such as TGF-β, EGFR, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and Wnt are pivotal in mediating resistance.

Conclusions:

• A deeper understanding of cancer drug resistance pathways is essential for advancing cancer treatment.
• Identifying alternative routes utilized by cancer cells is key to overcoming resistance.
• This knowledge will guide the development of more effective therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes.