An Update on Gemcitabine-Based Chemosensitization Strategies in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer is the seventh leading cause of cancer-related deaths, and chemotherapy is one of the most important treatments for pancreatic cancer. Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer cells can block chemotherapy drugs from entering the tumor. This is owing to interactions between the tumor’s environment and the cancer cells. Here, we review the latest research on the mechanisms by which pancreatic cancer cells block the chemotherapy drug, gemcitabine. The results of our review can help identify potential therapeutic targets for the blocking of gemcitabine by pancreatic cancer cells and may provide new strategies to help chemotherapy drugs penetrate tumors.

Keywords

• pancreatic cancer
• chemotherapy resistance
• chemosensitization
• tumor microenvironment
• gemcitabine