Molecular Basis of Anticancer Drug Resistance.PPT

Chemotherapy and Drug Resistance Chuck C.-K. Chao, Ph.D. Department of Biochemistry Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chang Gung University Tel: (03)3283016 x5151 Fax: (03)3283031 E-mail: cckchao@mail.cgu.edu.tw The thought of having chemotherapy frightens many people. Almost everyone has heard stories about someone who was on chemo. But we believe that knowing what chemotherapy is, how it works, and what to expect can often help calm your fears and give you more of a sense of control. Chemotherapy and Drug Resistance Histry Principles Side effects Catagories of chemotherapeutics Drug resistance What is chemotherapy? Histry: Started after World War II (mustard gas) 1950s-1970s e.g., lymphoma/ALL, germ cell tumors effective solid tumors (90%) resistant What is chemotherapy? (cont’d) 1970s- research on drug resistance palliative aggressive (control, cure) e.g., pre- and post-treatment of breast cancer surgery combination with radiotherapy of osteosarcoma Cancer response to anticancer drugs High responsiveness: HLL, lymphoma Partial responsiveness: breast and ovarian cancer Poor responsiveness: melanoma, small cell lung cancer “Heterogeneous drug sensitivity“ in same type of cancers Chemotherapy and Drug Resistance Histry Principles Side effects Catagories of chemotherapeutics Drug resistance How does chemotherapy work? Proliferating cells What are the goals of treatment with chemotherapy? Cure Control palliation How to choose drugs? Factors to consider in choosing drugs: Type of cancer Stage of the cancer The age General state of health Other serious health problems (e.g., liver kidney diseases) Other type of anticancer treatments given in the past How to choose drugs? (cont’d) Doctors must also consider Side effects Drug interactions e.g., aspirin may lower blood platelets Vitamines e.g., antioxidant vitamines (A, E C) vs. drugs Mechanisms of chemotherapy Damage