How Cancer Cells Lose Control: Key Genetic Alterations

Cancer arises from genetic alterations disrupting normal cell division, growth, and death. Major changes include:

1. Oncogene Activation

Mutations convert proto-oncogenes into oncogenes, driving uncontrolled proliferation.

2. Tumor Suppressor Gene Inactivation

Loss of function allows cells to escape growth controls.

3. DNA Repair Defects

Accumulated mutations cause genomic instability.

4. Telomere Dysfunction

Mutations in telomere maintenance enable replicative immortality.

5. Epigenetic Alterations

Abnormal modifications silence tumor suppressors and activate oncogenes.

Collectively, these changes confer cancer hallmarks: sustained angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, metabolic reprogramming, and evasion of apoptosis.