A fate worse than death: apoptosis as an oncogenic process

Apoptotic cell death undoubtedly has beneficial roles in cancer, but paradoxically, apoptosis can also cause unwanted effects that could promote cancer. This Opinion article highlights some of the ways in which apoptosis can exert oncogenic functions. Apoptotic cell death is widely considered a positive process that both prevents and treats cancer. Although undoubtedly having a beneficial role, paradoxically, apoptosis can also cause unwanted effects that may even promote cancer. In this Opinion article we highlight some of the ways by which apoptosis can exert oncogenic functions. We argue that fully understanding this dark side will be required to optimally engage apoptosis, thereby maximizing tumour cell kill while minimizing unwanted pro-tumorigenic effects.