Hormonal Therapy, Drug Resistance, and Toxicity in Oncology

This advanced topic addresses critical concepts in cancer management for university-level pharmacology and medical students in Zambia. It covers the principles of hormonal therapy for breast and prostate cancer, including drugs like tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors, and anti-androgens. The module then explores the major challenge of drug resistance, detailing mechanisms such as de novo resistance, acquired mutations, and multidrug resistance (MDR) mediated by P-glycoprotein. Finally, it provides a comprehensive overview of the systemic toxicity of anticancer drugs, focusing on effects on bone marrow, gastrointestinal epithelium, and hair follicles. For Zambian learners, understanding these limitations of chemotherapy is crucial for developing realistic treatment plans, managing patient expectations, and contributing to research aimed at overcoming resistance and reducing toxicity in cancer care within resource-limited settings.