Targeting Ca2+ signaling: A new arsenal against cancer

The drug resistance of cancer cells is a major concern in medical oncology, resulting in the failure of chemotherapy. Ca2+ plays a pivotal role in inducing multidrug resistance in cancer cells. Calcium signaling is a critical regulator of many cancer hallmarks, such as angiogenesis, invasiveness, and migration. In this review, we describe the involvement of Ca2+ signaling and associated proteins in cancer progression and in the development of multidrug resistance in cancer cells. We also highlight the possibilities and challenges of targeting the Ca2+ channels, transporters, and pumps involved in Ca2+ signaling in cancer cells through structure-based drug design. This work will open a new therapeutic window to be used against cancer in upcoming years.