# Revealing the landscape of targeting mitochondrial functions and behaviors to overcome cancer chemoresistance

**Authors:** Haoyan Zhang, Sicheng Wang, Peng Wu, Zanmin Hu, Yani Chen, Yupeng Guan, Jun Pang

PMC · DOI: 10.1016/j.jncc.2025.02.007 · Journal of the National Cancer Center · 2025-06-08

## TL;DR

This review explores how targeting mitochondria can help overcome cancer's resistance to chemotherapy.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive overview of mitochondrial roles in chemoresistance and suggests new therapeutic strategies.

## Key findings

- Mitochondria influence chemoresistance through altered behaviors and organelle interactions.
- Targeting mitochondria may improve chemotherapy efficacy by affecting cell metabolism and death regulation.
- The review identifies mechanisms linking mitochondrial changes to cancer treatment resistance.

## Abstract

With the rapid progression of chemotherapies, the occurrence of chemoresistance is becoming a major obstacle in contemporary cancer treatment. As essential organelles, mitochondria perform diverse functions to provide ATP and various intermediates to modulate biosynthetic and bioenergetic processes, which are indispensable to cell survival. Recently, mitochondria have increasingly intrigued researchers for their unique influence on chemoresistance. This review explores the intricate relationship between mitochondria and chemoresistance. We delve into the complex roles that mitochondria play in chemoresistance, focusing on the aberrant alterations in mitochondrial behaviors and interactions with other organelles. We also review the subsequent impact of mitochondrial changes on cellular functions, such as metabolic reprogramming and the dysregulation of cell death. By presenting a retrospective analysis of previous research and elucidating the underlying mechanisms, we aim to reveal the potential of enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapies and overcoming cancer chemoresistance by targeting mitochondria. Hopefully, this review will provide directions for future research and the development of more viable drugs, ultimately improving the prognosis of cancer patients.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** cancer (MONDO:0004992)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** cancer (MESH:D009369)
- **Chemicals:** ATP (MESH:D000255)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

5 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12529618/full.md

## References

256 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12529618/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12529618