title: Is induction of type 2 programmed death in cancer cells from solid tumors directly related to mitochondrial mass?
abstract: Many solid cancers respond to chemo or radiotherapy with a type 2 form of programmed cell death. This requires direct participation of mitochondria with release of cytochrome c and other factors that activate the 'execution' phase of the process. It is believed that as solid cancers progress, less differentiated clones containing fewer mitochondria evolve. Consequently, the mitochondrial 'switch' that activates the type 2 process will become less effective, as the number of elements available and their mass-effect declines. The opportunity for successful therapy, considered to depend upon the ability to activate programmed cell death, therefore becomes progressively less probable.
authors: Department of Medicine, Rush Medical College, Chicago, USA.
authors: K M
authors: KM
authors: Anderson
authors: J E
authors: JE
authors: Harris
mesh_terms: D017209:Apoptosis / Q000502:physiology*; D003574:Cytochrome c Group / Q000378:metabolism; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000201:enzymology / Q000502:physiology*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure
chemical_list: D003574:Cytochrome c Group