Malignant gliomas. Oncogenic considerations
Pérez-Ortiz, L.; Zaldívar-Vaillant, T.; Tamayo-Suárez, J.D.
Revista de Neurologia 31(1): 49-52
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0210-0010 PMID: 10948584 Document Number: 516237
There is evidence that cancer is the result of an accumulation of genetic alterations which lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation with loss of the processes of cell differentiation. In this review we try to explain the molecular alterations which occur in the anaplastic degeneration of astrocyte gliomas, conditioned by loss of genetic material on chromosomes 10 and 17, mutation of gene p53, amplification of the receptor of the epidermic growth factor, translocations of chromosomes 9p, 13q, 19q and 22q amongst others. On clinical and molecular studies two basic genetic pathways in the development of glioblastoma multiform have been identified. One of progressive degeneration of an astrocytoma of low-grade malignancy and the other from normal neuroglial cells such as a glioblastoma multiform de novo. The oncogens and tumor suppressive genes are the basis of the lack of control and abnormal cellular proliferation. An understanding of the changes which they cause will in future permit the application of new therapeutic options in patients with malignant astroglial neoplasias.