Exosomes in multidrug-resistant cancer

Curr Opin Pharmacol. 2020 Oct:54:109-120. doi: 10.1016/j.coph.2020.08.017. Epub 2020 Oct 11.

Abstract

Multiple drug resistance (MDR) is a significant challenge in the treatment of cancer using chemotherapy. There are numerous reasons and mechanisms that are responsible for the development of MDR in cancer tissues. Further, exosomes and its constituents also play a vital role in limiting the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents. Exosomes are well known for their role in developing resistance in addition to promoting tumor advancement and metastasis. This review discusses the role of exosomes in the development of drug resistance along with their allied mechanisms. This review also discusses the upregulation and downregulation of various exosomal components, which can be effectively employed as diagnostic biomarkers in the treatment of cancer. The essential applications of exosomes to treat drug-resistant cancer have also been discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Biomarkers
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple*
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm*
  • Exosomes*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Nucleic Acids
  • Proteins

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Biomarkers
  • Nucleic Acids
  • Proteins