drug resistance. For the first time we are starting to understand which mechanisms are playing an im­ portant role in human tumors, and even more importantly, clinical trials have recently been initiated in an effort to reverse specific forms of drug resistance. The purpose of this volume is to describe the new advances, both at the molecular level and in the clinic regarding mechanisms of drug resistance and potential ways this resistance can be circumvented. This volume is focused upon mechanisms of resistance associated with two major classes of anticancer drugs: alkylating agents (including cisplatin) and the natural products (e. g. , adriamycin and vinblastine). The first section of the book describes new insights into the genetic mechanisms associated with drug resistance.