Transforming ras oncogenes and multistage carcinogenesis
1985

The Role of Ras Oncogenes in Cancer Development

Editorial Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): A. Balmain

Primary Institution: Beatson Institute for Cancer Research

Hypothesis

Are mutations in ras oncogenes a cause or effect in tumorigenesis?

Conclusion

There is strong evidence that ras-gene activation is important in the genesis of some human and animal tumors, but the exact timing and biological consequences of this activation remain unclear.

Supporting Evidence

  • Ras genes are frequently activated in human and animal tumors.
  • Different mutations in ras genes can lead to tumor development.
  • Some tumors show ras gene activation as a late event in their progression.

Takeaway

Ras genes can change in ways that help tumors grow, but it's still not clear when these changes happen during cancer development.

Limitations

The article discusses the complexity of tumor development and the variability in results across different studies.

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