Apoptosis, a regulated form of cell death, plays a crucial role in both physiological and pathological conditions. Its dysregulation is implicated in various diseases, particularly cancer. In cancer, insufficient apoptosis leads to the survival and proliferation of malignant cells. The mechanisms of apoptosis involve multiple pathways, including the intrinsic (mitochondrial) and extrinsic (death receptor) pathways, which ultimately converge to activate caspases. Defects in these pathways can result in cancer development and resistance to anticancer treatments. Targeting apoptosis has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer therapy, with several drugs and treatment strategies being developed. These include targeting the Bcl-2 family of proteins, p53, inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs), and caspases. While these approaches show potential, concerns about their safety and efficacy remain, particularly regarding the potential for inducing resistance or causing harm to normal cells. Ongoing research aims to develop more selective and effective strategies to target apoptosis in cancer treatment.Apoptosis, a regulated form of cell death, plays a crucial role in both physiological and pathological conditions. Its dysregulation is implicated in various diseases, particularly cancer. In cancer, insufficient apoptosis leads to the survival and proliferation of malignant cells. The mechanisms of apoptosis involve multiple pathways, including the intrinsic (mitochondrial) and extrinsic (death receptor) pathways, which ultimately converge to activate caspases. Defects in these pathways can result in cancer development and resistance to anticancer treatments. Targeting apoptosis has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer therapy, with several drugs and treatment strategies being developed. These include targeting the Bcl-2 family of proteins, p53, inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs), and caspases. While these approaches show potential, concerns about their safety and efficacy remain, particularly regarding the potential for inducing resistance or causing harm to normal cells. Ongoing research aims to develop more selective and effective strategies to target apoptosis in cancer treatment.