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Oncogenes: Implications for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer
- MARTIN J. CLINE, M.D.;
- DENNIS J. SLAMON, M.D., Ph.D.; and
- JOSEPH S. LIPSICK, M.D., Ph.D.
Abstract
Cellular oncogenes comprise a small family of genes, highly conserved throughout vertebrate evolution, that code for proteins with diverse functions including DNA binding, protein kinase, and cellular growth factor activities. Cellular oncogenes are important in certain aspects of the proliferation and differentiation of normal cells. Under some circumstances these genes may also induce malignant transformation of normal cells. Various mechanisms may underlie their involvement in carcinogenesis. Incorporation of all, or part of, cellular oncogenes into RNA tumor viruses, mutations in gene structure, or translocation of cellular oncogenes from one chromosome to another may all be associated with the induction of malignant change in cells. In some of these situations altered oncogene products are made. Knowledge about the biology of oncogenes may lead to improved techniques for cancer detection and perhaps new approaches to cancer treatment.
Article and Author Information
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▸An edited summary of Interdepartmental Conference arranged by the Department of Medicine of the UCLA School of Medicine; Los Angeles, California. Director of Conferences: William M. Pardridge, M.D., Associate Professor of Medicine.
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▸Authors who wish to cite a section of this conference and specifically indicate its author can use this example for the form of the reference:
SLAMON DJ. Oncogenes and human malignancy, pp. 226-9. In: CLINE MJ, moderator. Oncogenes: implications for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Ann Intern Med. 1984;101:223-33.
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Grant support: in part from grants CA 15619 and AM 18058 from the U.S. Public Health Service.
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▸Requests for reprints should be addressed to Martin J. Cline, M.D., Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, UCLA School of Medicine; Los Angeles, CA 90024.
- ©1984 American College of Physicians
