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Updated: Jun 11, 2025
Implementation of In Vitro Drug Resistance Assays: Maximizing the Potential for Uncovering Clinically Relevant Resistance Mechanisms
Published on: December 9, 2015
Resistance Management for Cancer: Lessons from Farmers
Sareh Seyedi1,2,3, Valerie K Harris1,2, Stefania E Kapsetaki1,2
1Arizona Cancer Evolution Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona.
Abstract:
One of the main reasons we have not been able to cure cancers is that treatments select for drug-resistant cells. Pest managers face similar challenges with pesticides selecting for pesticide-resistant insects, resulting in similar mechanisms of resistance. Pest managers have developed 10 principles that could be translated to controlling cancers: (i) prevent onset, (ii) monitor continuously, (iii) identify thresholds below which there will be no intervention, (iv) change interventions in response to burden, (v) preferentially select nonchemical control methods, (vi) use target-specific drugs, (vii) use the lowest effective dose, (viii) reduce cross-resistance, (ix) evaluate success based on long-term management, and (x) forecast growth and response. These principles are general to all cancers and cancer drugs and so could be employed broadly to improve oncology. Here, we review the parallel difficulties in controlling drug resistance in pests and cancer cells. We show how the principles of resistance management in pests might be applied to cancer. Integrated pest management inspired the development of adaptive therapy in oncology to increase progression-free survival and quality of life in patients with cancers where cures are unlikely. These pest management principles have the potential to inform clinical trial design.
Insights
Cancer treatments often fail due to drug resistance, a problem also seen in pest control. Applying pest management principles to oncology could improve cancer treatment strategies and patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Entomology
- Drug Resistance
Background:
- Cancer treatments face challenges with drug-resistant cells, mirroring pesticide resistance in insects.
- Both fields grapple with similar resistance mechanisms and the need for effective management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the parallels between cancer drug resistance and pesticide resistance in insects.
- To adapt 10 principles of pest resistance management for application in cancer therapy.
- To inform the development of adaptive therapy in oncology.
Main Methods:
- Reviewing the challenges in controlling drug resistance in pests and cancer cells.
- Translating pest management principles to cancer treatment strategies.
- Examining the application of integrated pest management concepts to adaptive therapy in oncology.
Main Results:
- Identified 10 transferable principles from pest management to cancer control.
- Demonstrated how pest resistance management strategies can be applied to oncology.
- Adaptive therapy in oncology, inspired by integrated pest management, can improve progression-free survival and quality of life.
Conclusions:
- Pest management principles offer a novel framework for improving cancer treatment and managing drug resistance.
- Adaptive therapy, informed by these principles, shows promise for cancers where cures are unlikely.
- These strategies have the potential to guide future clinical trial designs in oncology.
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