| The process of
malignancy can be explained from an evolutionary perspective.
Millions of years of biological evolution insure that the
cellular metabolic changes that enable cancer to grow occur only
very rarely. Most changes in cellular metabolism that allow
cells to grow in a disorderly fashion lead to cell death. Cancer
cells undergo a process analogous to natural selection, in that
the few cells with new genetic changes that enhance their
survival continue to multiply, and soon come to dominate the
growing tumor, as cells with less favorable genetic change are
outcompeted. This process is called clonal evolution.
Tumors often continue to evolve in response to chemotherapy
treatments, and on occasion aberrant cells may acquire
resistance to particular anti-cancer pharmaceuticals.
Pathophysiology Cancer cell biology Biological properties of
cancer cells >>
|
Cancer
Classification
1. Nomenclature
2. Adult cancers
3. Childhood cancers
Signs and symptoms
Diagnosis
1. Investigation
2. Biopsy
Treatment
1. Surgery
2. Radiation therapy
3. Chemotherapy
4. Targeted therapies
5. Immunotherapy
6. Hormonal therapy
7. Symptom control
8. Complementary and alternative
9. Treatment trials
Prognosis
1. Emotional impact
Causes
1. Chemical carcinogens
2. Ionizing radiation &
Infectious diseases
3. Hormonal imbalances
& Immune system dysfunction
4. Heredity & Other causes
Pathophysiology
1. Epigenetics
2. Oncogenes
3. Tumor suppressor genes
4. Cancer cell biology
4.1 Clonal evolution
4.2 Biological properties of cancer cells
Prevention
1. Modifiable ("lifestyle") risk factors
2. Diet
3. Vitamins
4. Chemoprevention
5. Genetic testing
6. Vaccination
7. Screening
Epidemiology
History
Research |
