Autophagy is a cellular process that degrades damaged proteins and organelles, maintaining cellular homeostasis. It plays a dual role in cancer: as a tumor suppressor by eliminating damaged components and as a survival mechanism that can promote tumor growth. Tumor cells activate autophagy under stress conditions such as hypoxia and metabolic demands. Autophagy can enhance tumor cell survival and resistance to therapy, but its inhibition can increase chemosensitivity and tumor cell death. Autophagy is a promising therapeutic target, with clinical trials evaluating its inhibition using hydroxychloroquine in combination with chemotherapy or targeted agents. Targeting autophagy offers new opportunities for cancer treatment, as more specific inhibitors are needed. Autophagy regulation in cancer cells is complex, and understanding its role in tumor biology is crucial for developing effective therapies. Autophagy can also contribute to cell death and senescence, and its modulation can enhance apoptosis. Autophagy inhibitors like chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are being tested in clinical trials, showing potential in cancer treatment. However, challenges remain in optimizing autophagy modulation for therapeutic benefit. Overall, autophagy is a key factor in cancer progression and therapy resistance, and its regulation is an important area of research for improving cancer treatment outcomes.Autophagy is a cellular process that degrades damaged proteins and organelles, maintaining cellular homeostasis. It plays a dual role in cancer: as a tumor suppressor by eliminating damaged components and as a survival mechanism that can promote tumor growth. Tumor cells activate autophagy under stress conditions such as hypoxia and metabolic demands. Autophagy can enhance tumor cell survival and resistance to therapy, but its inhibition can increase chemosensitivity and tumor cell death. Autophagy is a promising therapeutic target, with clinical trials evaluating its inhibition using hydroxychloroquine in combination with chemotherapy or targeted agents. Targeting autophagy offers new opportunities for cancer treatment, as more specific inhibitors are needed. Autophagy regulation in cancer cells is complex, and understanding its role in tumor biology is crucial for developing effective therapies. Autophagy can also contribute to cell death and senescence, and its modulation can enhance apoptosis. Autophagy inhibitors like chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are being tested in clinical trials, showing potential in cancer treatment. However, challenges remain in optimizing autophagy modulation for therapeutic benefit. Overall, autophagy is a key factor in cancer progression and therapy resistance, and its regulation is an important area of research for improving cancer treatment outcomes.