DNA DAMAGE-INDUCED MUTAGENESIS

The mutagenesis hypothesis of cancer formation. This hypothesis postulates that the foundation of most cancer is mutagenesis. Mutations accumulate as cells proliferate. When mutations alter critical genes, tumorigenesis is inititated, likely involving genomic instability. Disruption of the normal mechanisms guarding genomic stability would in turn accelerate genome destabilization, leading to tumor progression and metastasis. Genomic instability includes gene mutations and chromosomal aberrations.