Targeting Apoptosis and Autophagy Pathways in Cancer Therapy: Novel Agents and Combination Strategies

Apoptosis and autophagy are closely interconnected cellular pathways that regulate cancer cell survival and death, making them important targets for oncology drug development. Dysregulation of these pathways can contribute to treatment resistance, tumour progression, and poor patient outcomes. This has driven interest in agents that restore apoptotic signalling or modulate autophagic flux in malignant cells. Autophagy has context-dependent effects in cancer: it may suppress tumour development in early disease, yet support tumour-cell survival and therapy resistance in established malignancies. The molecular mechanisms that govern the shift between autophagy and apoptosis remain incompletely understood, highlighting the need for precise, pathway-informed therapeutic strategies.This Research Topic welcomes original research, reviews, and clinical studies on pharmacological agents and combination strategies that target apoptosis and autophagy in cancer therapy. We invite contributions on novel small-molecule and biologic agents that induce apoptosis in cancer cells, as well as autophagy modulators—both inhibitors and inducers—as potential anticancer agents. Relevant areas include the molecular crosstalk between apoptosis and autophagy in tumour biology; mechanisms of resistance to apoptosis- or autophagy-targeted therapies; and combination strategies pairing these agents with standard-of-care treatments, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies. Studies of biomarkers that predict response to apoptosis- or autophagy-based therapies are also encouraged. Contributions presenting preclinical or clinical evidence for novel therapeutic candidates are welcome.By bringing together preclinical, translational, and clinical perspectives, this collection aims to advance understanding of how manipulating these pathways may improve treatment efficacy and overcome resistance across cancer types. Ultimately, it seeks to support the development of more effective and selective anticancer strategies. Topic editors: Ferda Kaleagasioglu, Vinod Vijayakurupvinod, Stefano Martellucci Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/86942/targeting-apoptosis-and-autophagy-pathways-in-cancer-therapy-novel-agents-and-combination-strategies