Heredity and urologic tumors
Sciarra, A.; Pastore, A.L.; Cardi, A.; Voria, G.; Di Silverio, F.
Minerva Urologica e Nefrologica 53(3): 171-177
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0393-2249 PMID: 11723442 Document Number: 533004
Most human malignant tumours derive from a series of several mutations in cell growth regulatory genes. Neoplastic transformation is a multistep, or at times multigenic event where several mutations must intervene. Hereditary forms have been identified for a number of human neoplasias. In hereditary forms, the individual already inherits one or more of these mutations and assumes an increased risk of developing a specific carcinoma and at an earlier age. On the other hand, in sporadic forms, the risk is lower because the environmental factors must provoke in sequence all the mutations necessary for neoplastic transformation. These genic mutations are often associated with the deletion of oncosuppressor genes which negatively regulate cell proliferation and/or with the hyper-expression and activation of protoncogenes which favour cell proliferation. The products of these genes are often growth factors or receptors of growth factors. The present review analyses the definition and more or less proven identification of familial and hereditary forms in neoplasias of urological interest.