Related Experiment Videos
Oncogenes: a review of their clinical application
1Karolinska Institute, NOVUM, Huddinge, Sweden.
Abstract:
One objective of this review is to sort through and collate the recent data that suggest that human cellular oncogenes, which have been implicated as the etiologic agents in both animal and human malignancies, have also the potential to be employed as clinical tools in the struggle against cancer. For nearly 10 years, reports have been suggesting that advantage can be taken of cellular oncogenes as to their use as diagnostic and prognostic indicators of cancer and eventually as therapeutic cancer agents. It is also the purpose of this review to give an objective evaluation of these predictions. Moreover, this review will try to highlight some of the significant advances in this most rapidly evolving field of biology. Although the enormity of what has been learned about cellular oncogenes is nothing less than impressive, it is the view here that the routine implementation of oncogenes into the clinical setting will not become evident as early as the many predictions had purported.
Insights
Human cellular oncogenes show promise as cancer diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic tools. However, widespread clinical application of these cancer-causing genes is likely further off than anticipated.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Human cellular oncogenes are implicated in various malignancies.
- Recent data suggest oncogenes have potential as clinical cancer tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and collate recent data on oncogene applications in cancer.
- To objectively evaluate predictions regarding oncogene clinical utility.
- To highlight advances in oncogene research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and data collation.
- Objective evaluation of existing predictions.
- Synthesis of recent advancements in the field.
Main Results:
- Significant advances have been made in understanding cellular oncogenes.
- Oncogenes show potential for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy.
- The review critically evaluates the predicted timelines for clinical implementation.
Conclusions:
- While oncogene research is advancing rapidly, routine clinical implementation is not imminent.
- The potential of oncogenes as clinical tools is significant but requires further development.
- Predictions for early clinical use of oncogenes may be overly optimistic.