Epithelial-mesenchymal transition and its role in drug resistance of cervical cancer.

Abstract

Cervical cancer remains one of the most common malignancies and a major cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide. Despite progresses in therapy, development of chemoresistance remains a persistent problem in effective treatment and improved therapeutic outcomes. Mounting evidence indicates that the Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) plays a central role in emerging drug resistance in cervical cancer. EMT contributes to therapeutic resistance through multiple mechanisms, including efflux transporter overexpression, apoptosis resistance, stemness acquisition, and altered surface marker expression. Some natural or synthetic compounds targeting EMT-related pathways have been reported by researches. This review provides an overview of EMT-related mechanisms driving drug resistance in cervical cancer, discusses current treatment approaches, and highlights the therapeutic potential of natural compounds in management of the disease.