Cancer genetics

A fundamental characteristic of cancer cells is their ability to proliferate and survive outside of their normal physiologic context. This ability is acquired through genetic and epigenetic alterations that modify the cell’s interaction with its environment. As such, some of the most common cancer-related genes are involved in cell cycle, differentiation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. These genes are often referred to as oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, depending on whether cancer-causing mutations result in gain or loss of function, respectively. Here we will review some of the genes and pathways that commonly are deregulated in cancer.