Defeating drug resistance in cancer

Discov Med. 2006 Feb;6(31):18-23.

Abstract

Multiple resistance to cytotoxic cancer drugs dramatically reduces the effectiveness of these drugs on many occasions. ABC (ATP-binding cassette) transporters pump out cytotoxic cancer drugs from cells, preventing them from reaching therapeutic levels. However, co-administration ABC transporter inhibitors with cytotoxic cancer drugs did not effectively improve the treatment outcome. The mechanisms and remedies are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / antagonists & inhibitors
  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / metabolism
  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / physiology
  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / drug effects
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / genetics
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism

Substances

  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters
  • Antineoplastic Agents