Mechanisms of PANoptosis and Its Implications in Cancer Progression and Treatment

Activation of the innate immune system triggers inflammatory cell death in response to microbial infections or disruptions in cellular homeostasis. PANoptosis represents a novel and distinct inflammatory programmed cell death pathway governed by complex PANoptosome assemblies and emphasizes the substantial interplay and cross-talk among pyroptosis (P), apoptosis (A), or necroptosis (N). This study briefly overviews the basic processes underlying apoptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis, along with their extensive cross-talk events within PANoptosis. The PANoptosis concept and the PANoptosome complex’s assembly process, which triggers cell death, will be explained. It emphasizes the notable contribution of PANoptosis to a range of cancer types, such as digestive cancers, breast cancers, and gliomas, illustrating its impact on tumor development and patient prognosis. Furthermore, the study discusses recent advancements in cancer treatment, highlighting the promise of targeting PANoptosis to enhance anti-tumor immune responses and diverse approaches for modulating PANoptosis pathways to achieve therapeutic benefits. In the future, continued research on PANoptosis will deepen our understanding of the core mechanisms governing cell death and contribute crucial scientific insights to cancer research.