Beneficial Outcomes of Cancer Therapeutic Modalities Based on Targeting Apoptosis
Asmaa F Khafaga1, Abd Elmonem M Barakat2, Ahmed E Noreldin3
1Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Edfina 22758, Egypt.
Background:
In the clinical setting, anticancer therapy is routinely administered to stimulate programmed cell death or "apoptosis." The goal is to eliminate tumor cells. Whether selective activation of apoptosis facilitates aggressive disease relapse in the longer term is still unaddressed. Apoptosis defects have a crucial role in cancer progression and carcinogenesis. Thus, targeting apoptosis may be important in developing new cancer therapeutic modalities.
Methods:
We summarize the shift in thinking that, while apoptosis is a barrier to oncogenesis, it paradoxically drives cancer formation and progression when executed incompletely, i.e., sublethal apoptosis. Also, we review apoptotic mechanisms, the role of apoptosis in carcinogenesis, and how it contributes to cancer treatment.
Result And Conclusion:
Most current research focuses on the extent of cell death in vitro, but no evidence exists that protein regulation of cell death in vitro is similar to what happens in vivo. Future research requires identifying targets upstream and downstream of such proteins through identifying protein-protein interactions in different survival/apoptosis pathways. Finding nexuses where such pathways interconnect is critical, along with possible mechanisms for regulation.
Insights
Targeting apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is key in cancer therapy. Paradoxically, incomplete apoptosis can drive cancer progression, highlighting the need for further research into its complex role.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Medicine
Background:
- Anticancer therapies aim to induce programmed cell death (apoptosis) to eliminate tumor cells.
- Defects in apoptosis are implicated in cancer progression and carcinogenesis.
- The long-term impact of selectively activating apoptosis on disease relapse remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the dual role of apoptosis in cancer, acting as both a barrier to and a driver of oncogenesis.
- To explore the mechanisms of apoptosis and its contribution to cancer development and treatment.
- To highlight the need for further investigation into apoptosis regulation in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Literature review summarizing current understanding of apoptosis.
- Analysis of the paradoxical role of incomplete (sublethal) apoptosis in cancer.
- Discussion of apoptotic mechanisms and their relevance in cancer therapy.
Main Results:
- Apoptosis is a critical process in cancer, but its incomplete execution can paradoxically promote cancer formation and progression.
- Current research predominantly focuses on in vitro cell death, with limited understanding of in vivo protein regulation.
- Identifying protein-protein interactions and pathway interconnections is crucial for understanding apoptosis regulation.
Conclusions:
- Targeting apoptosis is a vital strategy in cancer therapeutics.
- Further research is needed to elucidate in vivo apoptosis regulation and identify therapeutic targets.
- Understanding the complex interplay of survival and apoptosis pathways is critical for developing effective cancer treatments.
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