[Structure and function of P-glycoprotein in antitumor agent resistance; implication for clinical setting]

Resistance of tumors to a variety of chemotherapeutic agents presents a major problem in cancer treatment. The gene responsible for multidrug resistance, termed mdr1, encodes a membrane glycoprotein (P-glycoprotein) that acts as a pump to transport various cytotoxic agents. The P-glycoprotein has been shown to bind anticancer drugs and several resistance-reversing agents including calcium channel blockers, and to be an ATPase. The P-glycoprotein was found to function in blood-brain barrier. The implication of the P-glycoprotein in relation to therapy is discussed.