Regulators of apoptosis as anticancer targets

Several therapeutic strategies for drug development focus on the enhancement of tumor cell apoptosis secondary to chemotherapy, irradiation, and hormone-therapy, and improved therapeutic gain for patients. Rationally derived molecularly-targeted agents directed to the regulation of bcl-2 family members (intrinsic pathway) are in late clinical studies, whereas several strategies that target the tumor necrosis factor receptor family (extrinsic pathway of apoptosis) are in late preclinical development. These therapeutic agents and the pathways that are targeted. are reviewed.