A Review on "Apoptosis in Cancer: From Pathogenesis to Cancer''

Apoptosis is a natural, regulated process of cell death that maintains tissue health by removing damaged or dangerous cells. It is crucial in both normal body functions and disease conditions. When apoptosis is disrupted, it can lead to diseases—excessive apoptosis is linked to degenerative disorders, while insufficient apoptosis is a major factor in cancer. In cancer, the imbalance between rapid cell growth and reduced cell death allows abnormal cells to survive and spread. Interestingly, some cancers show high levels of apoptosis, which can help suppress tumor growth. However, this process is complex. In some cases, limited apoptosis can influence the tumor microenvironment (TME) in ways that actually support cancer growth and resistance to treatment. The dual nature of apoptosis—both suppressing and potentially supporting tumors—makes it a challenging yet promising target for cancer therapies. Researchers are developing drugs to enhance apoptosis, but these require thorough testing to ensure safety and effectiveness.