Drug Efflux Pumps in Cancer Resistance Pathways: From Molecular Recognition and Characterization to Possible Inhibition Strategies in Chemotherapy

Book excerpt: Drug Efflux Pumps in Cancer Resistance Pathways: From Molecular Recognition and Characterization to Possible Inhibition Strategies in Chemotherapy, Volume Seven, describes the fundamental aspects of efflux pumps of the ATP-binding cassette superfamily in cancer resistance pathways, along with strategies to target and improve chemotherapy efficacy. Pumps of the ATP-binding cassette superfamily (ABCs) regulate the access of drugs to the intracellular space. In this context, the overexpression of ABCs is a well-known mechanism of multidrug resistance in cancer and is associated with therapeutic failure. Cancer types discussed include breast, endocrine, hematologic, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, lung, skin and central nervous system cancers. The book is a valuable source for researchers and advanced students in cancer, biology, pharmacology, pharmaceutical sciences, biomaterials and medical/clinical sciences that are interested in accessing a comprehensive compendium on efflux pumps in mechanisms of cancer resistance. Offers comprehensive and detailed descriptions of the basic aspects of efflux pumps in a very schematic and didactic manner Describes the involvement of efflux pumps in cancer resistance in different cancer types Encompasses an updated overview on state-of-the-art approaches that capitalize on their inhibition to improve chemotherapy and overcome resistance