Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2026 May 16:105380. doi: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2026.105380. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
PANoptosis represents a novel and integrated pro-inflammatory programmed cell death pathway, combining features of pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis. This review explores the emerging role of PANoptosis in the pathogenesis and treatment of female-specific tumors, including breast, ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers. Growing evidence suggests that PANoptosis may overcome traditional cell death resistance mechanisms, reshape the tumor immune microenvironment, and enhance therapeutic efficacy. We summarize current mechanistic insights into PANoptosis and its regulatory components, such as the PANoptosome complex, ZBP1, RIPKs, caspases, and inflammasomes. Furthermore, we discuss its implications in female oncology-highlighting opportunities for chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy-and address challenges such as inflammatory balance and a lack of direct disease-specific evidence. Finally, we propose future directions for translating PANoptosis-related mechanisms into clinical strategies for female cancers.
PMID:42144174 | DOI:10.1016/j.critrevonc.2026.105380