Dear Colleagues,

During carcinogenesis, cancer cells create a permissive environment for genetic instability and accumulation of gene mutations. These alterations lead to defects in survival or death signalling pathways which enable cancer cells to continuous proliferation and growth without a proper control. Apoptosis is the major form of cell death and life control. The avoidance of apoptosis is a well-known strategy for cancer cells to survive. Therefore, therapies that promote pro-apoptotic molecules or/and inhibit anti-apoptotic ones have been regarded as attractive approaches for the development of effective cancer treatments.  In fact, most anti-cancer agents currently used in clinics including chemotherapy and radiotherapy have been linked to activation of apoptotic pathways in cancer cells.  However, the efficacy of the treatment is frequently unsatisfactory mainly due to two issues. Firstly the cancer cells are often able to develop some mechanisms to counteract the pro-apoptotic pathway induced, and such the resistance may become stronger after a period of exposure to anticancer agents.  Secondly, anticancer agents can also result in the death of non-cancer cells, causing significant side-effects that limit the dose or length of anticancer agents used. We hope that articles in this special issue will address current problems in apoptosis in cancers, helping our understanding the apoptotic mechanism in cancer and improving the strategy to induce apoptosis of cancer cells.  

Dr.  George G Chen and Dr.  Michael CF Tong
Guest Editors