Which of the following are ways that chemotherapy treatments may be resisted?

Resistance to chemotherapy treatments can occur due to various biological mechanisms, but one of the most significant is the mutation of biochemical pathways or drug targets. Cancer cells can develop mutations that alter their sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs, allowing them to survive despite the presence of the medication. For example, a change in the structure of a target molecule can prevent a drug from binding effectively, rendering the treatment less effective or completely ineffective. Moreover, mutations may lead to the activation of alternative survival pathways that help cancer cells bypass the effects of chemotherapy, ultimately leading to treatment failure.

The other options, while they may relate to patient treatment experiences or drug administration, do not accurately describe mechanisms of resistance. Enhanced drug absorption and increased dosage may improve the efficacy of chemotherapy rather than confer resistance. Lower body weight could affect drug metabolism and distribution, but it doesn’t inherently lead to resistance in the biochemical sense. Reduced hospitalizations during treatment could indicate better management of side effects or improved overall health but does not directly relate to how cancer cells resist the effects of chemotherapy.