Programmed cell death pathways and current antitumor targets

Apoptosis and autophagic cell deaths are programmed cell deaths and they play essential roles in cell survival, growth and development and tumorigenesis. The huge increase of publications in both apoptosis and autophagic signaling pathways has contributed to the wealth of knowledge in facilitating the understanding of cancer pathogenesis. Deciphering the molecular pathways and molecules involved in these pathways has helped scientists devise and develop targeted strategies against cancer. Various drugs targeting the apoptotic TRAIL, Bcl-2 and proteasome pathways are already in Phase II/III clinical trials. The first mTOR inhibitor, temsirolimus has already been approved by the FDA, USA for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma and more mTOR inhibitors are expected to be in the market in a few years time. Strategizing against aberrant autophagy activities in various cancers by using either pro-autophagics or autophagy inhibitors are currently been investigated. This review aims to discuss the most recent antitumor strategies targeting the apoptosis and autophagy signaling pathways and the latest outcome of clinical trials of the above drugs.