Apoptotic agents

Activation of apoptosis (programmed cell death) is a highly efficient means of tumour suppression frequently hijacked in lung cancer, and is a major goal of cancer drug therapy. When this can be achieved in the clinic, it is associated with durable disease control. Targeting the core apoptosis pathway has been a research goal since its initial discovery, and outstanding research endeavours have been translated into discovery of a new class of potent, targeted “apoptotic agents”. Despite this, early phase II clinical trials have not met with initial expectations. This review addresses the challenges and significant potential, in the light of recent discoveries, for personalising therapy with apoptotic agents as a basis for improving outcomes in lung cancer.