RESUMEN
Apoptosis or programmed cell death is a process which occurs in the cell as a result of stress, damage, or crowding, or when the cell is no longer needed. During this process, the DNA is broken up and the entire cell is consumed by phagocytes around the body. Understanding of the apoptosis mechanism has provided a basis for novel targeted therapies that can induce death in cancer cells or sensitize them to established cytotoxic agents and radiation therapy. Regulation of apoptosis by molecules that effect functional proteins of apoptosis is one of the new ways for cancer therapy through inhibition of tumor growth. New research for cancer treatment by novel agents include those targeting the extrinsic pathway such as tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor 1, and those targeting the intrinsic Bcl-2 family pathway such as Antimycin A [antisense Bcl-2 oligonucleotide] have shown interesting results of some cancers inhibition and treatment. This review will discuss current knowledge about the pathways and new treatments that target them