The role of apoptosis in hematologic malignancies and modulation of apoptosis as a new therapeutic approach

Recently, the role of apoptosis in the pathogenesis of a wide array of dise ases (e.g. solid tumors, leukemias, myelodysplastic syndromes and aplastic anemia) has been highlighted. Thus modulation of this pivotal process (eith er positively or negatively) has become an emerging new concept in the trea tment of malignant disorders. In this review we will discuss recent advance s in the understanding of apoptosis, outline its role in the pathophysiolog y of several hematologic disorders and suggest possible novel treatment str ategies.