Do cancers arise from a single transformed cell or is monoclonality of tumours a late event in carcinogenesis?
1985
Do Cancers Arise from a Single Cell?
Commentary
Author Information
Author(s): P. Alexander
Primary Institution: CRC Medical Oncology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital
Hypothesis
Is monoclonality of tumors a late event in carcinogenesis?
Conclusion
Many cases of human cancer and leukemia are monoclonal, suggesting that cancer may arise from a rare mutation in a single cell.
Supporting Evidence
- The majority of malignant cells in a tumor can derive from a single precursor cell.
- Monoclonality is established through unique DNA rearrangements in T-cell malignancies.
- Studies suggest that the initiation of tumor growth may require multiple transformed cells.
Takeaway
Scientists are trying to figure out if cancers start from one bad cell or if they can start from many cells working together.
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