Recent studies indicate the significant role of apoptosis and the genes that control it in the process of carcinogenesis. Apoptosis or programmed cell death is a complex process that controls cell proliferation and maintenance of accounting for the necessary balance in the body. Disturbances of apoptotic signalling pathways directly lead to the development and progression of cancer. This also applies to pancreatic cancer, which is characterized by poor prognosis and resistance to treatment. In recent years progress has been made concerning the complex pathways of apoptosis, which allowed the development of new therapeutic strategies. This article reviews current knowledge on apoptosis pathways and their role in treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Keywords: apoptosis; pancreatic cancer; treatment.