Chemotherapy: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Polymethyoxy Flavonoids: Possible Candidates for Overcoming Drug Resistance

Toshihiko Hirano

The success of chemotherapy in cancer treatment is frequently limited by intrinsic or acquired multidrug resistance due to increased expression of a plasma membrane P-glycoprotein . P-glycoprotein is an ATP-dependent transporter that effluxes many lipophilic anticancer agents out of cells, thereby reducing intracellular drug concentration and results in cancer cell survival. It has been reported that certain kinds of natural compounds and their derivatives  inhibit P-glycoprotein function, and overcome the multidrug resistance phenotype.