Can Programmed Cell Death Be Therapeutically Targeted?
Yes, understanding the mechanisms of programmed cell death has opened up new avenues for therapeutic interventions. For example, drugs that can specifically induce apoptosis in cancer cells are being developed and tested. In pediatric oncology, targeting apoptotic pathways has shown promise in treating resistant or recurrent cancers. Additionally, therapies aimed at inhibiting excessive apoptosis are being explored for neurodevelopmental disorders and other conditions involving tissue degeneration.
