Glucocorticoid resistance — what is known?

It has become apparent in recent years that the glucocorticoid receptor is not a simple on/off switch, but instead orchestrates subtle and complex interactions between large numbers of proteins. This more sophisticated understanding awaits a unifying concept that will explain mechanisms of glucocorticoid resistance and allow new approaches to enhancing sensitivity. Resistance to glucocorticoids is a common problem, with up to one-third of patients with inflammatory diseases responding poorly, and patients with leukaemia frequently acquiring additional resistance to glucocorticoids during treatment.