Pathogenesis of cancer in view of mutually opposing apoptotic and anti-apoptotic growth signals.

Abnormal regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation, both anti-apoptotic signals-driven functions on the one hand, and abnormal regulation of apoptosis or 'active' cell death on the other, determine the fate of the cell. Tumor cell growth and death are discussed in view of these mutually opposing biological activities. Specific molecular mechanisms, such as alternative splicing and protein homo- and hetero-dimerizations, as potential effectors of these opposing activities are reviewed. It is suggested that the efficacy of anti-cancer treatment could be augmented by using combinations of agents which act as pro-apoptotic and anti-anti-apoptotic signals. Since the latter may not themselves induce apoptosis, their effects might only be demonstrated as specific synergisms when such agents are combined with other drugs as specific treatment regimens against various types of cancer.