Targeting programmed cell death: a novel therapeutic paradigm for cancer based on mode-of-death classification

Abstract

Programmed cell death (PCD) refers to a form of cell death governed by genetic regulation, and consists of several distinct pathways, including apoptosis, autophagy, cuproptosis, ferroptosis, necroptosis, paraptosis and pyroptosis. These pathways are crucial for maintaining intracellular stability and homeostasis, which are involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases. This review innovatively proposes an integrated framework classified by death patterns, and systematically expounds the strategic significance of targeting PCD in cancer treatment. Based on this framework, we conduct an in-depth analysis of how to design corresponding therapeutic strategies for different death patterns, with a particular emphasis on the complex cross-talk and synergistic effects among different PCD pathways. Moreover, we demonstrate that this interaction is the cornerstone for designing the next generation of combination treatment regimens. The aim is to lay a foundation and point out the future direction for the development of more effective and targeted cancer treatment strategies based on the regulation of PCD networks.