[Cell death signalling: recent advances and therapeutic application].

Apoptosis is presently one of the most obvious targets for cancer treatment as its frequent inactivation in tumors contributes to carcinogenesis as well as resistance to chemotherapy. As knowledge of the apoptotic pathways and their regulation increases, it becomes obvious that this regulation is more complex than previously expected. Furthermore, there is growing evidence that alternative signalling pathways for cell death have to be considered. Understanding all the molecular events that regulate cell death may provide new opportunities for pathway-based rational therapy and for drug development. This review will focus on the emerging knowledge about these pathways and how this knowledge may be translated into more effective treatments for cancer.