Current Advances in Paraptosis Inducer Development and Mechanistic Understanding for Anticancer Applications

Paraptosis is an emerging form of programmed cell death (PCD) that is distinct from conventional cell death modalities such as apoptosis, autophagy, necrosis, and pyroptosis. It is characterized by dilation of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and/or mitochondria, accompanied by extensive cytoplasmic vacuolation. This process has garnered significant interest within the realm of cancer treatment in recent years. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive summary of the potential mechanisms underlying paraptosis and highlights recent progress in the development of paraptosis inducers for cancer therapy. These inducers include natural products, synthetic compounds, and anticancer drugs; moreover, they are frequently employed in combination with other therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, these inducers can trigger paraptosis in cancer cells via multiple pathways, thereby providing a promising alternative therapeutic approach for cancer.