PATHOGENESIS OF CANCER IN VIEW OF MUTUALLY OPPOSING APOPTOTIC AND ANTI-APOPTOTIC GROWTH SIGNALS

Abnormal regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation, both an ti-apoptotic signals-driven functions on the one hand, and abnormal re gulation of apoptosis or 'active' cell death on the other, determine t he fate of the cell. Tumor cell growth and death are discussed in view of these mutually opposing biological activities. Specific molecular mechanisms, such as alternative splicing and protein homo- and hetero- dimerizations, as potential effectors of these opposing activities are reviewed. It is suggested that the efficacy of anti-cancer treatment could be augmented by using combinations of agents which act as pro-ap optotic and anti-anti-apoptotic signals. Since the latter may not them selves induce apoptosis, their effects might only be demonstrated as s pecific synergisms when such agents are combined with other drugs as s pecific treatment regimens against various types of cancer.