Cancer drug resistance induced by EMT: novel therapeutic strategies

Over the last decade, important clinical benefits have been achieved in cancer patients by using drug-targeting strategies. Nevertheless, drug resistance is still a major problem in most cancer therapies. Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) and tumour microenvironment have been described as limiting factors for effective treatment in many cancer types. Moreover, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has also been associated with therapy resistance in many different preclinical models, although limited evidence has been obtained from clinical studies and clinical samples. In this review, we particularly deepen into the mechanisms of which intermediate epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) states and its interconnection to microenvironment influence therapy resistance. We also describe how the use of bioinformatics and pharmacogenomics will help to figure out the biological impact of the EMT on drug resistance and to develop novel pharmacological approaches in the future.

Automated summary

This review explores the important clinical benefits achieved in cancer patients through drug-targeting strategies, but drug resistance remains a major issue. The impact of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity and tumor microenvironment on treatment effectiveness is discussed, along with the use of bioinformatics and pharmacogenomics to study the biological effects of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition on drug resistance and develop novel pharmacological approaches in the future.