title: Genomic instability and the selection of treatments for cancer.
abstract: A critical link exists between DNA mutation and chromosomal rearrangements (genomic instability) and cancer development. This genomic instability can manifest itself as small changes at the nucleotide level or as gross chromosomal alterations. Mutations in the genes that encode DNA damage response proteins are responsible for a variety of genomic instability syndromes including hereditary non-polyposis colorectal carcinoma, Bloom's syndrome, ataxia-telangiectasia, BRCA-associated breast and ovarian cancers and Fanconi anaemia. Similarly, epigenetic silencing of genes associated with the maintenance of genomic stability have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of cancer. Here, we discuss how different tumours may be classified not only by tumour site but also by the type of underlying genetic instability. This type of classification may assist in the optimization of existing treatment regimens as well as informing the development of new therapeutic approaches.
authors.affiliation: CRUK Gene Function Laboratory, Institute of Cancer Research, Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK.
authors.forename: Sarah A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: Madeleine
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hewish
authors.forename: Christopher J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Lord
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ashworth
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019175:DNA Methylation; D004260:DNA Repair; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000235:genetics; D042822:Genomic Instability; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm