Combating chemoresistance: Current approaches & nanocarrier mediated targeted delivery
Siuli Shaw1, Subrata Kumar Pore2, Dutong Liu3
1Centre for Medical Biotechnology, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Abstract:
Chemoresistance, a significant challenge in effective cancer treatment needs clear elucidation of the underlying molecular mechanism for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Alterations in transporter pumps, oncogenes, tumour suppressor genes, mitochondrial function, DNA repair processes, autophagy, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cancer stemness, epigenetic modifications, and exosome secretion lead to chemoresistance. Despite notable advancements in targeted cancer therapies employing both small molecules and macromolecules success rates remain suboptimal due to adverse effects like drug efflux, target mutation, increased mortality of normal cells, defective apoptosis, etc. This review proposes an advanced nanotechnological technique precisely targeting molecular determinants of chemoresistance which holds promise for enhancing cancer treatment efficacy. Further, the review explores various cancer hallmarks and pathways implicated in chemoresistance, current therapeutic modalities, and their limitations. It advocates the combination of nanoparticle-conjugated conventional drugs and natural compounds to specifically target molecular pathways that can potentially reverse or minimize chemoresistance incidences in cancer patients.
Insights
Chemoresistance in cancer hinders treatment efficacy. This review highlights nanotechnological strategies targeting molecular mechanisms to overcome drug resistance and improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Chemoresistance is a major obstacle in cancer therapy, driven by complex molecular alterations.
- Current targeted therapies show suboptimal success rates due to mechanisms like drug efflux and target mutation.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying chemoresistance.
- To propose advanced nanotechnological approaches for overcoming chemoresistance.
- To review current therapeutic limitations and advocate for novel combination strategies.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of literature on cancer hallmarks and pathways implicated in chemoresistance.
- Exploration of nanotechnological applications in targeting molecular determinants of chemoresistance.
- Analysis of conventional and natural compounds for combination therapy.
Main Results:
- Identified key molecular drivers of chemoresistance including transporter pumps, oncogenes, and epigenetic modifications.
- Highlighted limitations of existing therapies such as adverse effects and suboptimal efficacy.
- Proposed nanotechnological strategies for precise targeting of chemoresistance mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Nanotechnology offers a promising approach to precisely target molecular determinants of chemoresistance.
- Combination therapy using nanoparticle-conjugated drugs and natural compounds may reverse or minimize chemoresistance.
- Further research into nanotechnological interventions is essential for enhancing cancer treatment efficacy.
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