Figure 6. Model for prion protein–mediated resistance to anthracyclines.

Schematic illustration of the potential implications of high concentrations of PrP^C, which could sequester anthracyclines in the tumor microenvironment, systemic circulation and/or distant tissues, reducing local bioavailability, and/or modifying pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Our data suggest that the effect is more pronounced for doxorubicin than epirubicin due to structural determinants of complex copper ion formation.