Genetic changes are super important when it comes to how cancer spreads. These changes mainly involve two types of genes: oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes.
Oncogenes: When these genes get messed up, they can cause cells to grow too fast. This makes tumors more likely to invade other parts of the body. For example, the KRAS gene is found in about 30% of all cancers. When it mutates, it can lead to more spreading, especially in pancreatic and colorectal cancers.
Tumor Suppressor Genes: These genes, like TP53 and Rb, usually help keep tumors from growing. If they stop working, tumors can grow bigger and spread more. About 50% of all human tumors have TP53 mutations, and having this mutation often means a higher chance of the cancer spreading.
Statistical Facts: Research shows that tumors with certain genetic changes tend to spread more. For instance, breast cancer patients who have PIK3CA mutations are 1.5 times more likely to develop spreading cancer compared to those without the mutations.
How Metastasis Works: Genetic changes can help tumors grow new blood vessels, change how the cells look and act, and avoid being attacked by the immune system. One example is the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is influenced by genes like TWIST1 and SNAIL.
In short, genetic changes really boost the potential for tumors to spread. This makes things tougher for patients regarding both outcomes and treatment.
Genetic changes are super important when it comes to how cancer spreads. These changes mainly involve two types of genes: oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes.
Oncogenes: When these genes get messed up, they can cause cells to grow too fast. This makes tumors more likely to invade other parts of the body. For example, the KRAS gene is found in about 30% of all cancers. When it mutates, it can lead to more spreading, especially in pancreatic and colorectal cancers.
Tumor Suppressor Genes: These genes, like TP53 and Rb, usually help keep tumors from growing. If they stop working, tumors can grow bigger and spread more. About 50% of all human tumors have TP53 mutations, and having this mutation often means a higher chance of the cancer spreading.
Statistical Facts: Research shows that tumors with certain genetic changes tend to spread more. For instance, breast cancer patients who have PIK3CA mutations are 1.5 times more likely to develop spreading cancer compared to those without the mutations.
How Metastasis Works: Genetic changes can help tumors grow new blood vessels, change how the cells look and act, and avoid being attacked by the immune system. One example is the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is influenced by genes like TWIST1 and SNAIL.
In short, genetic changes really boost the potential for tumors to spread. This makes things tougher for patients regarding both outcomes and treatment.