Tumorigenesis and malignancy

Tumorigenesis and malignancy are broad descriptors of the biological processes involved in the development and progression of cancer, rather than specific molecular targets. Tumorigenesis (or carcinogenesis) refers to the multi-step process by which normal cells are transformed into cancer cells through the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations [1]. Malignancy denotes the clinical behavior of a tumor characterized by uncontrolled growth, invasion of surrounding tissues, and the potential for metastasis to distant organs [3]. These phenomena are driven by the acquisition of several 'hallmarks of cancer,' such as sustained proliferative signaling, evasion of growth suppressors, and resistance to cell death [2]. Because these terms represent systemic pathological states and outcomes involving thousands of different genes and proteins, they do not constitute a single therapeutic target. Instead, therapeutic intervention focuses on specific molecular drivers, such as kinases or receptors, that contribute to these broader processes [2]. Sources: [1] National Cancer Institute (NCI). "Dictionary of Cancer Terms: Tumorigenesis." [2] Hanahan D, Weinberg RA. "Hallmarks of Cancer: The Next Generation." Cell, 2011. [3] National Cancer Institute (NCI). "Dictionary of Cancer Terms: Malignancy."

Other names

CarcinogenesisOncogenesisTumor developmentMalignant transformationCancer progression

Not applicable as the entry describes a pathological process rather than a specific molecular target.