[Molecular genetics methods discovering the mechanisms of neoplasm etiology]

The rapid advance in our understanding of cancer biology during the past decade, as exemplified by the discovery of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes and their interactions in tumourigenesis, has revolutionized cancer research. This rapid progress has largely been due to the use of molecular genetics techniques. However, despite the wealth of available information as to the genetic basis of carcinogenesis, its clinical applicability remains limited. The review is a summary of the general principles and methods currently used to detect genetic alterations in neoplastic cells, with special emphasis on clinical applications.