Cell Death-based therapy

Apoptosis plays a centrale role in regulating tissue homeostasis. The balance between cell death and proliferation in favour of cell survival can result in tumor formation. The understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating apoptosis has provided the basis for novel targeted therapies that can induce death in cancer cells or sensitize them to cytotoxic agents and radiation therapy. These novel agents include those targeting either the extrinsic or the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Failure to undergo in response to anticancer therapy can result in resistance. Thus, insights into the ways in wich cancer cells evade apoptosis might provide new opportunities for drug development.