Abstract
Multidrug resistance (MDR), caused by the overexpression of two membrane proteins, MDR1-Pgp and/or MRP, is a major obstacle in the chemotherapy of cancer. The proper laboratory diagnosis of clinical multidrug resistance is still an unresolved question, and this uncertainty, in a vicious cycle, does not allow the correct evaluation of the clinical relevance of the MDR phenomenon. More-over, inefficient MDR diagnostics hinders the development of effective resistance-modulation strategies. In this review, after describing the basic features of the MDR drug pump proteins, the currently employed diagnostic methods are discussed. We suggest that a quantitative, functional method developed in our laboratory may provide a major help in the laboratory assessment of cancer MDR.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1 / analysis
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ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1 / antagonists & inhibitors
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ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1 / metabolism*
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ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / analysis
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ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / antagonists & inhibitors
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ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / metabolism*
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Biological Transport / drug effects
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Diagnosis
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Drug Resistance, Neoplasm*
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Flow Cytometry
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Fluoresceins / metabolism
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Fluorescent Dyes / metabolism
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Humans
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Multidrug Resistance-Associated Proteins
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Neoplasm Proteins / analysis
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Neoplasm Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
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Neoplasm Proteins / metabolism*
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Neoplasms / drug therapy*
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Neoplasms / metabolism
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Neoplastic Stem Cells / metabolism
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Prostaglandins A / pharmacology
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RNA, Messenger / analysis
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RNA, Neoplasm / analysis
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Verapamil / pharmacology
Substances
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ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1
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ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters
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Fluoresceins
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Fluorescent Dyes
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Multidrug Resistance-Associated Proteins
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Neoplasm Proteins
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Prostaglandins A
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RNA, Messenger
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RNA, Neoplasm
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calcein AM
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Verapamil
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prostaglandin A1