[Suppressor genes in human cancer]

Suppressor genes is the collective term for genes that regulate growth control. Inactivation of both copies may promote malignant transformation, though usually only in the presence of other mutations. The distinction between suppressor genes and other genes of importance to the development of malignancy is not clear cut. Suppressor genes may be activated genetically or somatically. In the latter case, mutations may occur before, during or after malignant transformation, and will determine the cancer phenotype and thus its clinical manifestations.