[Dissecting the pathways of tumour escape: " question of life and death?"].

Apoptotic pathways are providing important saveguard mechanisms in protection from cancer by eliminating altered and often harmful cells. The disturbances of cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis are also found on specific signal-transduction pathways within the tumour cells and between these and the immune system. The article focuses attention on the evolution of the melanocytic naevi in the direction of a dysplastic or tumour cell. The determination of single molecules as prognostic parameters within cancer genesis seems to be problematic. New hopes are being placed on the treatment with TW-37, ABT-737 and TAT-Bim, which, to an extent, are able to support the programmed cell death. The clinical importance of these innovative therapies remains to be seen and should therefore, be viewed with considerable criticism.