[Fundamental aspects of oncogenesis]

Abstract

Tumorigenesis has traditionally been considered as a multi-step process involving the activation of oncogenes as well as the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. However, the mechanisms driving cancer initiation and progression are not restricted to molecular alterations and instead should be viewed as a complex process that interfaces with the entire organism. This didactic review provides an integrated and global view of the key fundamental principles of cancer development.

Keywords: Cancerogenesis; Cancérogenèse; Molecular oncogenesis; Oncogenèse moléculaire; Tumorigenesis; Tumorigenèse.