Checkpoints in cancer

Checkpoints in cancer refer to natural control mechanisms in the body that regulate cell growth and division. These checkpoints ensure that cells only grow and divide when it's appropriate, preventing the development of tumors. Cancer can arise when these checkpoints malfunction, allowing abnormal cells to bypass regulations, grow uncontrollably, and potentially spread throughout the body. Understanding these checkpoints is critical in cancer research and treatment, as therapies can be developed to restore normal checkpoint function or target cancer cells that evade these controls. This is key for effective cancer treatments, including immunotherapy.