ABSTRACT
One of the greatest challenges in cancer treatment is the intrinsic development of multidrug resistance (MDR). Several hypotheses with experimental evidence, such as altered drug transport across cell membrane, genetic responses, enhanced DNA repair, alterations in target molecules, metabolic effects, growth factors, etc. have been proposed to account for drug resistant mechanisms. Current research in drug discovery focuses on natural products due to their superiority of rich resources, fewer side effects, and diversity of their chemical elements with great potential as tumor targets. In this chapter, we summarize cancer drug resistance mechanisms, classification of plant-derived compounds, research status of compounds with anti-tumor activity against MDR cancers, and their applications in reversing MDR.
