Clinical applications of genetics in sporadic cancers.
OBJECTIVE
To describe how genetic information shapes our understanding of carcinogenesis; how genetic information influences recommendations for cancer screening, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment; and how genetic information may affect the prognosis of patients with cancer and the monitoring of anticancer treatment.


METHODS
Medical and nursing literature, textbooks, Internet websites.


CONCLUSIONS
The Human Genome Project has taken oncology one step further toward accurate diagnosis and treatment of many forms of cancer. There are many genetic traits that can be associated with increased cancer risk, diagnosis, and selection of treatments.


CONCLUSIONS
Oncology nursing practice is directly affected by the developments of medical genetics. The information gained can be used by nurses at all stages of the cancer continuum when administering these new therapies.
Kwitkowski
Virginia E
VE
National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, Medical Oncology Clinical Research Unit, Bethesda, MD 20892-1906, USA.
Daub
Janine R
JR
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D030541:Databases, Genetic; D016045:Human Genome Project / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000451:nursing; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards; D012307:Risk Factors
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents