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On the path to understanding the nature of cancer

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Abstract

In this essay crucial problems of the origin of cancer and the development of malignancy are discussed. The problem of precancer and three ways leading to malignancy are considered: induction of tumor precursors, accumulation of genetic traits common for tumor growth, and the role of inflammation in tumor induction. The nature of viral oncogenes and modes of their action are described in the context of their origin as a component of the viral genome. Oncogenes of RNA-containing viruses and DNA-containing tumorigenic viruses are described together with cellular protooncogenes, which are progenitors of RNA-containing viral oncogenes. Hematological malignancies are described as an intermediate form between simple tumors induced by a single oncogene and more complicated epithelial tumors. The roles of tumor suppressor genes and the interaction of several oncogenes in the formation of carcinomas and also the role of progression in tumor evolution are discussed.

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Abbreviations

AFP:

alpha-fetoprotein

CLL:

chronic lymphoblast leukemia

CML:

chronic myeloid leukemia

ECM:

extracellular matrix

EMT:

epithelial-mesenchymal transition

FISH:

fluorescent in situ hybridization

GSA:

group-specific antigen

LOH:

loss of heterozygosity

MGCV:

mammary gland cancer virus of low oncogenicity

MMP:

membrane met-alloproteinases

PCR:

polymerase chain reaction

RSV:

Rous sarcoma virus

VEGF:

vascular endothelium growth factor

VIGF:

VEGF inhibitor

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Blokhin Cancer State Research Center, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Kashirskoe Shosse 24, 115478, Moscow, Russia

    G. I. Abelev & T. L. Eraiser

Authors
  1. G. I. Abelev
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  2. T. L. Eraiser
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Correspondence to G. I. Abelev.

Additional information

Original Russian Text © G. I. Abelev, T. L. Eraiser, 2008, published in Biokhimiya, 2008, Vol. 73, No. 5, pp. 605–618.

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Abelev, G.I., Eraiser, T.L. On the path to understanding the nature of cancer. Biochemistry Moscow 73, 487–497 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1134/S0006297908050015

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