Research progress on correlation between ATP binding cassette transports and multidrug resistance of liver cancer

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major problem in the current treatment of liver cancer. ATP binding cassette (ABC) transports induce drug effluxes in cancer cells, thus contributing to MDR. ABCB1 is a main subtype of ABC transports that mediates the MDR of liver cancer. The expression of ABCB1 is related to the stemness characteristics of liver cancer cells. The key molecules of a variety types of signaling pathways related to inflammation and cancer collaborate with one another and adjust the expression of ABC transports. Verapamil can reverse the MDR of liver cancer through inhibiting ABCB1. Further investigations of the relation between ABC transporters and the MDR in liver cancer can improve treatment strategy for cancer and reduce mortality.