Options for modulation of drug resistance in ovarian cancer

The objective of this paper is to present an update of mechanisms responsib le for drug resistance in ovarian cancer and the possible therapeutic optio ns to modulate this resistance using literature review with emphasis on dat a acquired in studies comprising ovarian tumor samples. The classic concepts on resistance in ovarian cancer, namely platinum and m ultidrug resistance, are briefly discussed, followed by a description of mo re recent insights concerning the role of apoptosis in the development of c hemoresistance. A wide variety of mechanisms may be responsible for drug resistance in ovar ian cancer. However, a growing body of evidence indicates that defects in t he intra- and extracellular apoptotic pathways are an important cause of re sistance to cytotoxic agents which opens several new treatment strategies.