Regulated Cell Death (RCD)

Regulated cell death (RCD) refers to genetically encoded, molecularly executed forms of cell death — as opposed to accidental, uncontrolled necrosis caused by overwhelming physical or chemical injury. Apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis are all distinct RCD programs, each with its own dedicated signaling machinery and its own consequences for inflammation and immunity. Evasion of RCD is considered a core hallmark of cancer, since malignant cells must escape these death programs to survive oncogenic stress and, later, therapy-induced injury.