This text is an up-to-date review of current knowledge in the field of multiple drug resistance in human cancer. The literature up to the middle of 1993 is surveyed in specialist chapters written by different experts. Topics covered include the molecular genetics, cytogenetics and biochemistry of the MDR genes and P-glycoprotein; alternative transport proteins in MDR; topoisomerases I and II; cytochrome p450-enzymes and glutathione S-transferases in MDR; cellular models for MDR in solid tumours and haemopoietic tumours; immunochemical and molecular biological techniques for detection of MDR-related gene expression; and clinical and pharmacological strategies to circumvent resistance. The book brings together a combination of approaches to this serious clinical problem. This book covers a wide range of topics relating to the cellular and molecular biology, as well as clinical aspects, of the problem of multiple drug resistance. Specific mechanisms discussed in detail include P-Glycoprotein and other drug transport proteins; Topoisomerases I and II; Phase I and Phase II enzymes of xenobiotic metabolism.Cellular models for MDR in solid tumours and in haemopoietic cells are discussed in detection of expression of MDR-related genes, and approaches to circumvent MDR.
