Risk and Progression Factors in Carcinogenesis

The principal goal of experimental carcinogenesis is the elucidation of mechanisms and factors that might be of relevance for the formation of human tumors. Specialization, as necessary as it may be, however, may prevent the transfer of knowledge among disciplines involved in cancer research. Leading scientists give insight into mechanisms of carcinogen-induced DNA damage and mutagenicity, and cellular responses including DNA repair, cellular stress, apoptosis, and regulation of cellular growth. Selected human tumor models of oral epithelium, skin cancer, and malignant lymphoma are analyzed in order to determine the most relevant primary genetic alteration in cell-specific transformation. Finally, the epidemiology of p53 mutation is considered as an indication of specific pathogenetic factors in sporadic human tumors.