Primary Versus Acquired Resistance

Cancer cells can evolve ways to evade a drug’s attack, or they may already be resistant prior to treatment.

© NIRJA DESAI

Examples of Acquired Resistance

Resistance to chemotherapy likely encompasses a broad range of mechanisms having to do with DNA repair, cell cycle arrest, apoptotic pathways, and others, many of which are still unknown. When it comes to molecular-targeted agents and immunotherapies, however, research has nailed down some basic strategies.

© NIRJA DESAI

Mutations within the target protein can prevent drug binding, or keep the protein active despite drug binding.

© NIRJA DESAI

Mutations can restore cellular signaling by affecting a downstream gene or by activating a bypass pathway.

© NIRJA DESAI

Tumor cells can lose characteristics of their typical cell type and acquire characteristics of a different lineage that does not depend on signaling blocked by the cancer drug.

© NIRJA DESAI

Mutations can...

© NIRJA DESAI

Mutations and other changes alter the target protein. These can include altered splicing of the tumor target, which blocks recognition by the engineered T cell.

Read the full story

 

Interested in reading more?

The Scientist ARCHIVES

Become a Member of

Receive full access to more than 35 years of archives, as well as TS Digest, digital editions of The Scientist, feature stories, and much more!
Already a member?