title: A fate worse than death: apoptosis as an oncogenic process.
abstract: Apoptotic cell death is widely considered a positive process that both prevents and treats cancer. Although undoubtedly having a beneficial role, paradoxically, apoptosis can also cause unwanted effects that may even promote cancer. In this Opinion article we highlight some of the ways by which apoptosis can exert oncogenic functions. We argue that fully understanding this dark side will be required to optimally engage apoptosis, thereby maximizing tumour cell kill while minimizing unwanted pro-tumorigenic effects.
authors.affiliation: Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute and Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK.
authors.forename: Gabriel
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ichim
authors.affiliation: Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute and Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK.
authors.forename: Stephen W G
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Tait
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D063646:Carcinogenesis; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D009857:Oncogenes; D011379:Prognosis