Programmed cell death (PCD) is a conserved mechanism that plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including cell turnover, development, tissue homeostasis, and immunity. Different forms of PCD, such as apoptosis, autophagy-dependent cell death, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis, have been identified and are involved in carcinogenesis and cancer development. Recent research has highlighted the critical role of PCD in modulating tumor immunity, affecting the function of both innate and adaptive immune cells. PCD can prime tumor-specific T cells, induce immunosuppression, and facilitate immune evasion. Targeting PCD alone or in combination with conventional immunotherapy may enhance the efficacy of anticancer treatments. This review discusses the characteristics and mechanisms of common PCD pathways, including apoptosis, autophagy-dependent cell death, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis, and explores their complex interactions with the tumor microenvironment (TME). The potential clinical implications of PCD-based approaches in cancer immunotherapy are also discussed, emphasizing the need for further research to improve our understanding of oncoimmunology and develop more effective cancer treatments.Programmed cell death (PCD) is a conserved mechanism that plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including cell turnover, development, tissue homeostasis, and immunity. Different forms of PCD, such as apoptosis, autophagy-dependent cell death, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis, have been identified and are involved in carcinogenesis and cancer development. Recent research has highlighted the critical role of PCD in modulating tumor immunity, affecting the function of both innate and adaptive immune cells. PCD can prime tumor-specific T cells, induce immunosuppression, and facilitate immune evasion. Targeting PCD alone or in combination with conventional immunotherapy may enhance the efficacy of anticancer treatments. This review discusses the characteristics and mechanisms of common PCD pathways, including apoptosis, autophagy-dependent cell death, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis, and explores their complex interactions with the tumor microenvironment (TME). The potential clinical implications of PCD-based approaches in cancer immunotherapy are also discussed, emphasizing the need for further research to improve our understanding of oncoimmunology and develop more effective cancer treatments.