The genetics of skin cancer.
Recent advances in molecular genetics have led to a better understanding of the biological underpinnings of skin cancer formation. As with most cancers, the RB, p53, and RAS pathways appear to play prominent roles in the pathogenesis of several skin cancer types. Although various components of these pathways may be differentially altered in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and cutaneous melanoma, the final biochemical expression of these defects may be the same. With the unraveling of these genetic mechanisms, a more targeted approach to diagnosis and treatment may be possible in the near future.
Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, USA.
Kenneth Y
KY
Tsai
Hensin
H
Tsao
D002277:Carcinoma / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008545:Melanoma / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008954:Models, Biological; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016160:Retinoblastoma Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000235:genetics*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / Q000378:metabolism; D018631:ras Proteins / Q000378:metabolism
D016160:Retinoblastoma Protein; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; D018631:ras Proteins