Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death that is essential for removing damaged or unwanted cells. It plays a critical role in maintaining cellular integrity by eliminating cells that could potentially become cancerous. In cancer, the apoptotic pathways are often disrupted, allowing abnormal cells to survive and proliferate. Proteins like Bcl-2 and caspases are key regulators of apoptosis, and their dysregulation is commonly observed in various cancers.
