Basic molecular biology for the pediatric hematologist/oncologist.
Recent advances in molecular biology have permitted a broader understanding of the pathogenesis of human cancer. Furthermore, the elucidation of pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the malignant transformation of normal cells has begun to suggest new approaches for the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of cancers. To familiarize the practicing hematologist/oncologist with the implications of current advances in the molecular biology of cancer, this article will review the basic concepts of molecular biology, and will summarize salient aspects of the most frequently used techniques. Also, several biologic principles which have lead to a further understanding of oncogenesis will be discussed in detail.
Cohen
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Pediatric Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.
Israel
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D006801:Humans; D008967:Molecular Biology; D009857:Oncogenes