Human Biochemistry, Volume 2 - Murray R. 1993

Special Topics
Cancer, Oncogenes, and Growth Factors
Introduction

Tumor Cells are characterized by three main properties: 1) uncontrolled or poorly controlled growth; 2) The ability to invade and damage adjacent Tissues (invasiveness); and 3) the ability to travel via the bloodstream or Lymphatic system to other Organs and establish new tumor foci there (metastasis). Note that the growth of benign tumor cells is also poorly controlled, but these cells are neither invasive nor metastatic.

In this chapter, we discuss several biochemical features of tumor cells. The primary goal is to outline the biochemical causes underlying their characteristic uncontrolled growth, invasiveness, and metastatic potential. It is currently believed that malignant Cell transformation is driven by alterations in the Structure and regulatory mechanisms of genes that control cell growth, as well as by disruptions in Intercellular Communication. Certain types of tumors (such as various leukemias) result from impaired cellular differentiation. Current understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing this process remains extremely limited. According to many leading oncologists, research efforts should focus on The Study of oncogenes and growth factors. This approach provides key insights into The Nature of defective growth control, differentiation, and intercellular interactions in tumor cells. This chapter is dedicated to exploring The Role of oncogenes and growth factors.



Last update: 06/08/2026

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