Topic: Mechanisms of Tumor Chemoresistance

The "Mechanisms of Tumor Chemoresistance" Special Issue delves into the complex and multifaceted challenges posed by the development of resistance to chemotherapy in various types of cancers. Chemotherapy has long been a cornerstone in cancer treatment, but the emergence of chemoresistance poses a significant obstacle to successful therapy outcomes. This Special Issue aims to explore the intricate mechanisms underlying tumor chemoresistance, from molecular and genetic factors to cellular adaptations and signaling pathways, offering insights that could inform the development of novel strategies to overcome this critical issue.

Potential topics of interest include but are not limited to:
1. Genetic and Epigenetic Alterations: Investigating how genetic mutations and epigenetic changes contribute to altered drug response and resistance in cancer cells.
2. Tumor Microenvironment Influence: Exploring how the tumor microenvironment, including factors such as hypoxia, immune interactions, and stromal cells, affects chemoresistance development.
3. Efflux Pump Systems: Examining the role of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters in pumping out chemotherapy drugs, leading to reduced intracellular drug concentrations and treatment resistance.
4. DNA Repair Pathways: Understanding how enhanced DNA repair mechanisms in resistant cancer cells contribute to their survival and ability to withstand chemotherapy-induced damage.
5. Cancer Stem Cells: Investigating the involvement of cancer stem cells in chemoresistance, as these cells possess self-renewal and differentiation capabilities that contribute to tumor regrowth after treatment.
6. Cell Signaling and Survival Pathways: Analyzing the activation of survival pathways such as PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK in chemoresistant cancer cells and their impact on treatment outcomes.
7. Metabolic Adaptations: Exploring metabolic reprogramming in resistant tumors, including shifts towards glycolysis or altered nutrient utilization that promote cell survival.
8. Exosome-Mediated Communication: Examining how intercellular communication through exosomes contributes to the transfer of resistance-associated molecules between cancer cells.
9. Immunotherapy and Chemoresistance: Discussing the interplay between immune checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapies, and chemoresistance, considering both synergistic and antagonistic effects.
10. Therapeutic Strategies to Overcome Chemoresistance: Reviewing emerging therapeutic approaches, such as combination therapies, nanotechnology-based drug delivery, and targeting specific resistance mechanisms.
11. Biomarker Discovery: Highlighting the identification of predictive biomarkers for chemoresistance, enabling personalized treatment strategies for patients.
12. Clinical Implications and Patient Management: Addressing the clinical challenges posed by chemoresistant tumors, including treatment selection, monitoring, and potential interventions.

By exploring these diverse subtopics, this Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the intricate mechanisms driving tumor chemoresistance. Through an enhanced understanding of these mechanisms, researchers and clinicians can pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies that ultimately improve patient outcomes in the face of chemoresistant cancers.

31 May 2024