Summary and Conclusions
From studies on cancer genetics, available information suggests the following tentative conclusions:
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1.
Cancer starts with a genetic change (or changes) from a normal somatic cell, but the changes (mutational events) must be specific in a target tissue cell. In a number of cases, genetic changes can be detected at the chromosome level.
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2.
Hereditary cancers usually have one genetic lesion already existing prezygotically; therefore only one additional mutational event is required in the homologous gene to complete the process of neoplastic transformation. In nonhereditary neoplasms, both mutations must occur postzygotically.
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3.
Individuals with high spontaneous mutation rates (monitored by chromosome breakage rates) are more liable to acquire specific genetic lesions than those with low mutation rates; therefore they are at higher risk to develop neoplasms.
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4.
Individuals with genetic defects in response to damage induced by mutagens (carcinogens) are more liable to accumulate genetic lesions than those who are more resistant; therefore, they are more liable to develop cancers. Mutagen sensitivity or resistance is probably genetic expression of DNA repair capabilities.
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5.
An effective assay method for sensitivity or resistance to mutagens can be developed to analyze the human population to identify the at-risk fraction.
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Supported in part by Research Grants from the John S. Dunn Foundation, Houston and Ca-35007 from the National Cancer Institute.
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Hsu, T.C. Genetic predisposition to cancer with special reference to mutagen sensitivity. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol 23, 591–603 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02621067
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02621067