Autophagy: Therapeutic Approach For Cancer Treatment

Abstract

Intracellular catabolic degradation of lysosomal components is called as autophagy. The autophagy is working for “Cellular Garbage Disposal and Intracellular Recycling”.  It serves to orchestrate the process of cellular homeostasis. It is achieved through elimination of superfluous or damaged proteins and organelles; through invading microbes; through the provision of substrates for energy generation and through the biosynthesis in stress. The autophagy promotes the cellular health and there by the health of body of animal. The autophagy is critical for development, differentiation and maintenance of working of the cell. It also play key role in the host defense against pathogens. The cancer is a complex process. In cancer cell, the autophagy exerts its influence in multiple ways. The role of autophagy in cancer is context dependent. Chronic tissue damage and cell death can lead to the initiation of cancer. In cancer cell, the autophagy is working as a cytoprotective survival pathway. The autophagy prevents chronic tissue damage and cell death. With this reference, the stimulation or restoration of autophagy may prevent cancer. In practical sense, the cancer cells deserve capability of utilization of autophagy for enhancement of their fitness and ability of survival with altered metabolism. In this reference, strategy of inhibition of autophagy is the need for treatment for cancer.