title: Genetics of childhood cancer.
abstract: In recent years, knowledge of the molecular genetics of childhood cancers has been increasing at an exponential rate. The study of the molecular mechanisms of oncogenesis has led to an understanding of the role that tumor suppressors, oncogenes, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) repair genes play in development of the disease. Chromosomal translocations can lead to the disruption of growth regulatory genes or the formation of growth stimulatory fusion genes in leukemias and solid tumors. These alterations can occur sporadically or can be inherited, which often leads to cancer in children or young adults. Often, the presence of specific genetic alterations can be used to diagnose a cancer that otherwise would be difficult to verify. Genetic mutations also can be prognostic indicators and guide the treatment plan of the physician.
authors.affiliation: Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Hooman
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ganjavi
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Malkin
mesh_terms: D001260:Ataxia Telangiectasia / Q000235:genetics; D002648:Child; D004260:DNA Repair; D005134:Eye Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics; D016147:Genes, Tumor Suppressor; D006801:Humans; D016864:Li-Fraumeni Syndrome / Q000235:genetics; D009154:Mutation; D009386:Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000628:therapy; D009857:Oncogenes / Q000235:genetics; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000235:genetics; D012175:Retinoblastoma / Q000235:genetics; D014983:Xeroderma Pigmentosum / Q000235:genetics