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Autophagy in gastrointestinal cancers: Therapeutic and biological perspectives

Milad Ashrafizadeh1

  • 1Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250000, China.

Arab Journal of Gastroenterology : the Official Publication of the Pan-Arab Association of Gastroenterology
|July 23, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Autophagy, a cell death process, is dysregulated in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Modulating autophagy offers a promising therapeutic strategy for GI neoplasms, potentially improving treatment outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Medicine

Background:

  • Gastrointestinal (GI) neoplasms are leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide.
  • Conventional therapies for GI tumors face challenges due to treatment resistance.
  • Autophagy, a cellular degradation process, is frequently dysregulated in cancer, presenting a potential therapeutic target.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted role of autophagy in the development and progression of GI neoplasms.
  • To explore the regulatory mechanisms of autophagy in GI tumors, including genomic and epigenetic factors.
  • To discuss therapeutic strategies targeting autophagy for GI cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on studies investigating autophagy in GI neoplasms.
  • Analysis of research on the dual role of autophagy (pro-survival vs. pro-death) in GI cancer.
  • Examination of therapeutic approaches involving autophagy modulation.

Main Results:

  • Autophagy plays a complex role in GI tumors, promoting cancer cell survival or impairing tumor progression.
  • Genomic and epigenetic alterations significantly influence autophagy regulation in GI cancers.
  • Autophagy modulation, using drugs and nanoparticles, is a developing therapeutic avenue for GI tumors.

Conclusions:

  • Autophagy is a critical factor in GI cancer biology with implications for therapeutic intervention.
  • Targeting autophagy holds promise for novel treatment strategies against GI neoplasms.
  • Autophagy-related factors may serve as valuable prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers for GI tumors.
Keywords:
Autophagycancer therapycell deathdrug resistancegastrointestinal cancers

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