Apoptosis
Also known as: programmed cell death
The body's built-in process of programmed cell death that keeps tissues healthy.
Definition
Apoptosis is "programmed cell death" — an orderly, controlled process by which damaged or unwanted cells dismantle themselves without harming neighbouring tissue. It is essential for normal development and for removing cells whose DNA has been irreparably damaged.
Cancer cells often acquire mutations that allow them to escape apoptosis, so they keep dividing when they should die. Many cancer treatments — including chemotherapy, radiation and several targeted therapies — work by re-triggering apoptosis in cancer cells.
See also
- DNA — The molecule that carries the genetic instructions inside every cell of the body.
- Chemotherapy — Drug treatment that kills cancer cells throughout the body.
- Targeted Therapy — Drugs designed to attack specific molecules involved in cancer growth, with less harm to normal cells.
- Neoplasm — Any abnormal new growth of tissue, which may be benign or malignant.
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Medically reviewed by
Dr. Rehan Abdullah
Dr. Rehan Abdullah is a dual-trained clinical and radiation oncologist with over a decade of experience treating both solid tumours and hematologic malignancies. He serves as Consultant Oncologist at INMOL Hospital and sees patients at Farooq Hospital and Healthnox Medical Center, Lahore. Read full profile →
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