Apoptosis and chemo-resistance in colorectal cancer

Systemic chemotherapy plays an integral part in treating advanced colorectal cancer. However 50% of patients respond poorly or have disease progression due to resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. This article reviews the pathways that regulate apoptosis, apoptotic mechanisms through which chemotherapeutic agents mediate their effect and how deregulation of apoptotic proteins may contribute to chemo-resistance. Also discussed are potential therapeutic strategies designed to target these proteins and thereby improve response rates to chemotherapy in colorectal cancer.