Deciphering drug resistance in gastric cancer: Potential mechanisms and future perspectives

Biomed Pharmacother. 2024 Apr:173:116310. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116310. Epub 2024 Feb 22.

Abstract

Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignant tumor that originates from the epithelium of the gastric mucosa. The latest global cancer statistics show that GC ranks fifth in incidence and fourth in mortality among all cancers, posing a serious threat to public health. While early-stage GC is primarily treated through surgery, chemotherapy is the frontline option for advanced cases. Currently, commonly used chemotherapy regimens include FOLFOX (oxaliplatin + leucovorin + 5-fluorouracil) and XELOX (oxaliplatin + capecitabine). However, with the widespread use of chemotherapy, an increasing number of cases of drug resistance have emerged. This article primarily explores the potential mechanisms of chemotherapy resistance in GC patients from five perspectives: cell death, tumor microenvironment, non-coding RNA, epigenetics, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Additionally, it proposes feasibility strategies to overcome drug resistance from four angles: cancer stem cells, tumor microenvironment, natural products, and combined therapy. The hope is that this article will provide guidance for researchers in the field and bring hope to more GC patients.

Keywords: Drug resistance; Gastric cancer; Mechanism; Perspectives.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Capecitabine / therapeutic use
  • Deoxycytidine
  • Drug Resistance
  • Fluorouracil / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Leucovorin / therapeutic use
  • Oxaliplatin / therapeutic use
  • Stomach Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Stomach Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Tumor Microenvironment

Substances

  • Oxaliplatin
  • Deoxycytidine
  • Capecitabine
  • Fluorouracil
  • Leucovorin