Apoptosis: a link between cancer genetics and chemotherapy

Abstract

Defects in apoptosis underpin both tumorigenesis and drug resistance, and because of these defects chemotherapy often fails. Understanding the molecular events that contribute to drug-induced apoptosis, and how tumors evade apoptotic death, provides a paradigm to explain the relationship between cancer genetics and treatment sensitivity and should enable a more rational approach to anticancer drug design and therapy.