Genetics of cancer

Abstract

Numerous discoveries of genetic abnormalities in cancer cells have pointed to the paramount importance of genetic defects in the origin and development of cancer. Although other factors certainly play a role in the growth and maintenance of the transformed state (such as hormones, growth factors, and cytokines), defects in critical genes in cancer cells are undoubtedly at the heart of most malignant states. © 2008 Springer New York.