The Critical Role of Survivin as an Anti-Apoptotic Biomarker and Therapeutic Target in cancer

Abstract

Apoptosis is a finely regulated physiological process responsible for keeping tissue homeostasis by removing damaged, abnormal, or unnecessary cells. Disruption of apoptotic pathways is a hallmark of cancer, enabling malignant cells to evade programmed cell death and continue their uncontrolled proliferation. Survivin, the minimum member of the inactivating protein (IAP) inhibitor family, has emerged as a key regulator of both apoptosis inhibition and cell cycle progression. Because of its marked overexpression in a wide range of human malignancies and its limited expression in most normal adult tissues, Survinin has garnered significant attention as a potential diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic biomarker. This review aims to summarize and evaluate current evidence regarding the biological functions of Survinin, its role in cancer development and progression, and its clinical significance in predicting treatment response and patient outcomes. Relevant scientific literature published in peer-reviewed journals was collected and analyzed using major biomedical databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies concerning the expression of the servifin protein, its molecular mechanisms, its predictive value, and its therapeutic targeting in various types of cancer were reviewed and summarized. The reviewed evidence indicates that elevated survivin protein expression is strongly associated with tumor aggressiveness, resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, poor disease prognosis, and reduced survival rates in multiple cancer types. Furthermore, its selective expression pattern and multifunctional role make survinin an gorgeous target for developing novel cancer control strategies. The present review highlights the growing importance of incorporating survivin protein assessment into cancer research and clinical practice and supports further research into survivin-targeting approaches to improve cancer prognosis, prognosis, and treatment outcomes.