The role of cytokines in ovarian cancer drug resistance

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death among women diagnosed with female reproductive system cancers. While significant advances have been made in treating various types of cancer, progress in ovarian cancer treatment over the past 20 years has been minimal, and the treatment course of ovarian cancer is not linear. Although many patients initially respond to treatment and may experience tumor regression, 80% of patients relapse after one or multiple chemotherapy sessions. Cytokines play a crucial role in driving tumor progression, relapse, and drug resistance in ovarian cancer. The knowledge of ovarian cancer drug resistance and the function of cytokines in the development of tumor resistance is currently the subject of numerous relevant studies; meanwhile, the specific molecular pathways are being unearthed. Herein, we summarize the recent advancements in cytokine-associated ovarian cancer drug resistance. In addition, we also present the cytokine targeting drugs in ameliorating ovarian cancer drug resistance. As multi-effect factors, cytokines can induce multiple pathways to promote tumor progression and overcome extremely complex and heterogeneous living environments. From the perspective of various paths of cytokine function, the emergence of multi-target drugs might be more promising for conquering ovarian cancer chemotherapy drug resistance.