Resistance to Anticancer Agents: Recent Trends

Abstract

Resistance to the anticancer agents is a complex process that mainly results from alteration in the targets of the chemotherapeutic agents. Mechanisms that underlie resistance to the anticancer agents include inactivation of the drug, inhibition of cellular apoptosis, changes in the metabolic pathways of the drug, increased expression of the efflux proteins and enhancement of DNA repair and gene amplification. Several strategies were developed to overcome this resistance. The use of the combination chemotherapy is the best option for drug resistant types of cancer. This review throws light on resistance of cancer cells to the chemotherapeutic agents in view of the recent trends.