The Cell Cycle Gone Wrong
Normal cells divide only when signaled and pause at checkpoints to repair damage. Cancer cells bypass these checkpoints, dividing despite DNA errors and passing mutations to daughter cells.
Escaping Cell Death
Apoptosis — programmed cell death — normally eliminates damaged cells. Cancer cells disable it (for example by overexpressing BCL-2), which is why drugs such as venetoclax that restore apoptosis work in some leukemias.
The Tumor Microenvironment
Tumors recruit blood vessels, fibroblasts and immune cells that support their growth and shield them from therapy. Targeting this environment — through anti-angiogenic drugs and immunotherapy — is a major treatment strategy.
How Metastasis Happens
- Cells detach and invade surrounding tissue
- They enter blood or lymph vessels
- Survive in circulation
- Exit into a distant organ
- Adapt and grow into new tumors
Medically reviewed content for education only — not a substitute for advice from your oncology team.