The Molecular Nature of Tumorigenesis

Abstract

This paper is an exploration of the molecular aspects behind the tumor development process. Robert Weinberg provides an in-depth analysis of the subject matter over a series of publications entitled The Hallmarks of Cancer, The Hallmarks of Cancer: the next generation, and The Biology of Cancer. Current therapy development in the context of the hallmarks of cancer are discussed. The paper espouses some theories about the main differences between pediatric and adult cancers, specifically dealing with the mortality rates. The molecular aspects of tumorigenesis are discussed with particular attention to the tumor suppressor protein p53. This flows into the current treatment of cancer and how the future of cancer therapy development lies in novel concepts such as p53-induced apoptosis. Finally, some major methods of cancer prevention are presented because a reduction in the incidence of cancer, rather than improvements in current therapeutic techniques provide the best prospects for a reduction in cancer-associated mortality. Prevention is the cure.