Doxorubicin and other anthracyclines in cancers: Activity, chemoresistance and its overcoming

Anthracyclines have been important and effective treatments against a number of cancers since their discovery. However, their use in therapy has been complicated by severe side effects and toxicity that occur during or after treatment, including cardiotoxicity. The mode of action of anthracyclines is complex, with several mechanisms proposed. It is possible that their high toxicity is due to the large set of processes involved in anthracycline action.The development of resistance is a major barrier to successful treatment when using anthracyclines. This resistance is based on a series of mechanisms that have been studied and addressed in recent years. This work provides an overview of the anthracyclines used in cancer therapy. It discusses their mechanisms of activity, toxicity, and chemoresistance, as well as the approaches used to improve their activity, decrease their toxicity, and overcome resistance.

Automated summary

Anthracyclines are important and effective treatments for cancer, but their use is complicated by severe side effects and toxicity, including cardiotoxicity. The mode of action of anthracyclines is complex, and their high toxicity may be due to multiple mechanisms. The development of resistance to anthracyclines is a major barrier, but recent studies have addressed this issue. This article provides an overview of anthracycline use in cancer therapy, discussing their mechanisms of action, toxicity, and chemoresistance, as well as approaches to improve their effectiveness, reduce toxicity, and overcome resistance.