Diagnostics of multidrug resistance in cancer

Pathol Oncol Res. 1998;4(4):251-7. doi: 10.1007/BF02905214.

Abstract

Multidrug resistance (MDR), caused by the overexpression of two membrane proteins, MDR1-Pgp and/or MRP, is a major obstacle in the chemotherapy of cancer. The proper laboratory diagnosis of clinical multidrug resistance is still an unresolved question, and this uncertainty, in a vicious cycle, does not allow the correct evaluation of the clinical relevance of the MDR phenomenon. More-over, inefficient MDR diagnostics hinders the development of effective resistance-modulation strategies. In this review, after describing the basic features of the MDR drug pump proteins, the currently employed diagnostic methods are discussed. We suggest that a quantitative, functional method developed in our laboratory may provide a major help in the laboratory assessment of cancer MDR.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1 / analysis
  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1 / metabolism*
  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / analysis
  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / antagonists & inhibitors
  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / metabolism*
  • Biological Transport / drug effects
  • Diagnosis
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm*
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Fluoresceins / metabolism
  • Fluorescent Dyes / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Multidrug Resistance-Associated Proteins
  • Neoplasm Proteins / analysis
  • Neoplasm Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Neoplasm Proteins / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Prostaglandins A / pharmacology
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis
  • RNA, Neoplasm / analysis
  • Verapamil / pharmacology

Substances

  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1
  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters
  • Fluoresceins
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Multidrug Resistance-Associated Proteins
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Prostaglandins A
  • RNA, Messenger
  • RNA, Neoplasm
  • calcein AM
  • Verapamil
  • prostaglandin A1