Potential Mechanism Underlying the Role of Mitochondria in Breast Cancer Drug Resistance and Its Related Treatment Prospects

Breast cancer incidence and mortality rates have been consistently high among women. The use of diverse therapeutic strategies, including chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, has improved breast cancer prognosis. However, drug resistance has become a tremendous obstacle in overcoming breast cancer recurrence and metastasis. It is known that mitochondria play an important role in carcinoma cell growth, invasion and apoptosis. Recent studies have explored the involvement of mitochondrial metabolism in breast cancer prognosis. Here, we will provide an overview of studies that investigated mitochondrial metabolism pathways in breast cancer treatment resistance, and discuss the application prospects of agents targeting mitochondrial pathways against drug-resistant breast cancer.