Question

Why is tumorigenesis considered to be dependent on the acquisition of genetic instability?

Answer 1

Tumorigenesis

1. The eventual accumulation of mutations drives tumour evolution.
2. However, it is improbable, that the rate of spontaneous mutation in the majority of human cells is sufficient to correct many of the flaws required for malignant cancer growth.
3. Tumorigenesis is thus thought to be caused by an increase in the rate at which chromosomes and genes are lost, altered, rearranged, or amplified, which is known as genetic instability.
4. There is ample evidence to suggest that genomic instability plays a role in tumour development.