Fighting Cancer: Inducing Apoptosis in Cancer Cells

Abstract

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world today. Almost everyone has been affected by cancer in one way or another. At the forefront of cancer research today is finding safe and effective ways to induce apoptosis in cancer cells. Recently, researchers have uncovered three mechanisms in which this can be accomplished. One is by using Artepillin C to activate TRAIL in cancer cells. Another focuses on increasing the effectiveness of radiotherapy by reducing the effects of IAPs. The third proposed treatment uses decitabine to cause ROS to start the apoptosis process. All three experiments show great promise. Even though each has its flaws, with continued research surrounding the mechanisms and symptoms of the treatments, there is hope that one day a cure for cancer will be found.