Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

09:37
Defining Gene Functions in Tumorigenesis by Ex vivo Ablation of Floxed Alleles in Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Cells
Published on: August 25, 2021
Strategies to control cancer through genetics
1Institute of Medical Genetics, University of Oslo, Norway.
Summary
Identifying genetic predisposition to cancer is crucial. Recognizing specific cancer patterns and family history can indicate increased cancer risk, guiding genetic evaluation and preventative strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Human Genetics
- Preventative Medicine
Background:
- Genetic factors play a role in a subset of common cancers.
- Identifying individuals with increased cancer susceptibility is essential for early intervention.
- Cancer occurrence patterns can signal underlying genetic predispositions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline criteria for identifying individuals who may have an increased susceptibility to cancer due to genetic factors.
- To describe strategies for controlling cancer by leveraging genetic knowledge.
- To emphasize the importance of genetic evaluation in cancer prevention.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical indicators of potential genetic predisposition to cancer (e.g., multifocal tumors, atypical age/site, family history).
- Identification of high-risk individuals, including first-degree relatives and those with specific cancer patterns.
- Outline of a cancer control strategy incorporating genetic counseling, prenatal diagnosis, surveillance, prophylactic measures, and environmental factor management.
Main Results:
- Specific cancer occurrences (e.g., bilateral in paired organs, multiple primary malignancies, early onset) suggest increased malignancy risk.
- Family history, including multiple affected first-degree relatives, is a key indicator of genetic risk.
- A comprehensive strategy involving genetic counseling, surveillance, and lifestyle modifications can aid cancer control.
Conclusions:
- Genetic evaluation is important for individuals exhibiting certain cancer patterns or with a relevant family history.
- Proactive genetic assessment and tailored interventions can significantly impact cancer prevention and management.
- Advancements in human ecogenetics and molecular genetics will enhance the application of genetic knowledge in cancer control.
Related Concept Videos
Cancer Prevention
Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Some...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Treatment Resistant Cancers
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes
Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes
Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...

