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Updated: Sep 13, 2025
Implementation of In Vitro Drug Resistance Assays: Maximizing the Potential for Uncovering Clinically Relevant Resistance Mechanisms
Published on: December 9, 2015
Understanding and overcoming multidrug resistance in cancer
Minghua Ge1,2, Xuan-Yu Chen3, Ping Huang4,5
1Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China. geminghua@hmc.edu.cn.
Abstract:
Cancer evolution can engender tumours with the ability to resist multiple treatments with distinct chemical structures and mechanisms of action, and this multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype has long been a substantial challenge in cancer therapy. Despite the established benefits of systemic treatments including chemotherapies, molecularly targeted therapies and immunotherapies across various cancers, MDR inevitably occurs at some point during the course of the disease and its treatment in most patients. Since the discovery of MDR in the 1960s, our understanding of the underlying mechanisms has deepened. However, few strategies are currently available to combat MDR in the clinical setting, and approaches to systematically translate knowledge of new MDR mechanisms and treatments from the laboratory into the clinic are lacking. In this Review, we focus on preclinical and clinical advances in understanding MDR, with an emphasis on resistance to chemotherapy and targeted therapy. We also summarize progress made in translating these findings from bench to bedside through the development of potential strategies to overcome MDR and thus improve patient outcomes.
Insights
Multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer is a major challenge, limiting treatment effectiveness. This review explores advances in understanding and overcoming MDR to improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a significant obstacle in cancer therapy, where tumors develop resistance to various treatments.
- Despite advances in chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, MDR remains a persistent problem for most cancer patients.
- Understanding the mechanisms of MDR has improved, yet clinical strategies to combat it are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review preclinical and clinical advancements in understanding MDR in cancer.
- To focus on resistance mechanisms related to chemotherapy and targeted therapy.
- To summarize strategies for translating MDR research from the laboratory to clinical application.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical research on MDR mechanisms.
- Analysis of clinical studies on MDR.
- Synthesis of emerging strategies to overcome MDR.
Main Results:
- Significant progress has been made in elucidating the complex mechanisms underlying MDR.
- Several potential strategies to overcome MDR are being developed and tested.
- The translation of laboratory findings into effective clinical interventions is a key focus.
Conclusions:
- Overcoming MDR is crucial for improving patient outcomes in cancer therapy.
- Continued research and clinical translation are essential to combat MDR.
- Developing novel strategies to circumvent MDR holds promise for future cancer treatments.
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