[Carcinogenesis: defect control systems and options for molecular therapy].

Abstract

DNA mutations lead to multiple defects of different control systems necessary to regulate cell growth, cell death and cell invasion, thus resulting in the development of a malignant tumor. While the loss of single control systems can still be compensated by others, the destruction of the whole network on a molecular level will cause tumor growth. Knowledge about these control systems and their defects during carcinogenesis may it possible to design new therapeutic strategies. Among them, gene therapy offers promising treatment options.