Principle of 'Cancer Cell Multidrug Resistance' Revealed... New Chapter in Chemotherapy

[Asia Economy Reporter Junho Hwang] The principle of cross-resistance, where cancer cells resistant to one treatment also show resistance to other treatments, has been revealed. As cancer cells develop resistance, they undergo stem cell-like transformation, and during this process, changes in gene function cause resistance to secondary treatments as well. With the discovery of the principle of cross-resistance in cancer cells, a new chapter in anticancer therapy is expected to open.

The Secret of Cross-Resistance in Lung Cancer Cells

Gene (Image=Getty Images Bank)

The research team confirmed cross-resistance in cancer cells through lung cancer cells. They found that lung cancer cells resistant to the anticancer drug paclitaxel, which inhibits cellular microtubules, also exhibited cross-resistance to the targeted therapy EGFR-TKI.

The team observed that during the process of acquiring resistance, cancer cells undergo stem cell-like transformation. They also confirmed an increase in the expression of stem cell-specific genes. Furthermore, they found that FOXO3a, a key factor in the apoptosis signaling pathway that regulates programmed cell death, changes its gene function from inducing apoptosis to instead suppressing cell death.

In particular, the researchers revealed that glucose metabolism and apoptosis regulatory pathways in paclitaxel-resistant cancer cells were altered, which overall reduced the response to EGFR-TKI.

This means that as cancer cells develop resistance to the first-line drug, they undergo stem cell-like transformation, and during this process, changes in specific gene functions enable them to resist secondary drugs as well. The research team explained that these cross-resistant cancer cells resume activity and rapidly proliferate once the secondary drug is withdrawn.

Blocking Cross-Resistance Opens New Chapter in Cancer Therapy

Cancer Treatment, A Paradigm Shift

The research team observed that suppressing the expression of FOXO3a causes cells to lose resistance to both paclitaxel and EGFR-TKI, suggesting that cross-resistant cells can be overcome.

Mark Boris, the first author of the paper, stated, "We expect this study to provide a breakthrough in understanding resistance mechanisms not only for paclitaxel and EGFR-TKI but also for other drugs," adding, "It will be applied to develop effective treatment strategies to overcome cancer."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.