Revista de Ciências Biomédicas e Farmacêuticas

Biological Mechanisms of Drug Resistance in Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Combrzyski Jacek

Cancer remains one of the most challenging diseases to treat effectively, primarily due to the ability of cancer cells to develop resistance to various therapeutic agents. Understanding the biological mechanisms underlying this drug resistance is crucial for developing more effective treatments and improving patient outcomes. Drug resistance in cancer therapy can be classified into two broad categories: intrinsic resistance, where cancer cells are inherently resistant to treatment and acquired resistance, where initially sensitive cancer cells develop resistance over time. This article explores the key biological mechanisms contributing to drug resistance in cancer therapy. One of the primary mechanisms of drug resistance in cancer is the alteration of drug targets. Many cancer therapies, particularly targeted therapies, are designed to interfere with specific proteins or pathways critical for cancer cell survival and proliferation.