Calcium signaling: A therapeutic target to overcome resistance to therapies in cancer

Innate and acquired resistances to therapeutic agents are responsible for the failure of cancer treatments. Due to the multifactorial nature of resistance, the identification of new therapeutic targets is required to improve cancer treatment.Calcium is a universal second messenger that regulates many cellular functions such as proliferation, migra-tion, and survival. Calcium channels, pumps and exchangers tightly regulate the duration, location and magnitude of calcium signals. Many studies have implicated dysregulation of calcium signaling in several pa-thologies, including cancer. Abnormal calcium fluxes due to altered channel expression or activation contribute to carcinogenesis and promote tumor development. However, there is limited information on the role of calcium signaling in cancer resistance to therapeutic drugs. This review discusses the role of calcium signaling as a mediator of cancer resistance, and assesses the potential value of combining anticancer therapy with calcium signaling modulators to improve the effectiveness of current treatments.

Automated summary

Innate and acquired resistance play a significant role in the failure of cancer treatments. Calcium signaling, which regulates various cellular functions, has been implicated in cancer development. However, there is limited information on the role of calcium signaling in cancer drug resistance. This review discusses the potential value of targeting calcium signaling to overcome cancer resistance to therapeutic drugs.