Dieter Marmé · Norbert Fusenig (Editors)

2008

Basic Mechanisms
and Cancer Therapy

Tumor development and progression occur as a result of cumulative acquisition of genetic alterations affecting oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. As a consequence of these alterations the arising tumor gains some fatal properties such as increased cell proliferation and decreased apoptosis, resulting in a net accumulation of transformed cells. Once a critical volume is achieved, lack of oxygen and nutrients limits further growth.