The tissue organization field theory of cancer: a testable replacement for the somatic mutation theory.
Bioessays
; 33(5): 332-40, 2011 May.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-21503935
ABSTRACT
The somatic mutation theory (SMT) of cancer has been and remains the prevalent theory attempting to explain how neoplasms arise and progress. This theory proposes that cancer is a clonal, cell-based disease, and implicitly assumes that quiescence is the default state of cells in multicellular organisms. The SMT has not been rigorously tested, and several lines of evidence raise questions that are not addressed by this theory. Herein, we propose experimental strategies that may validate the SMT. We also call attention to an alternative theory of carcinogenesis, the tissue organization field theory (TOFT), which posits that cancer is a tissue-based disease and that proliferation is the default state of all cells. Based on epistemological and experimental evidence, we argue that the TOFT compellingly explains carcinogenesis, while placing it within an evolutionarily relevant context.
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Mutação
/
Neoplasias
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Bioessays
Assunto da revista:
BIOLOGIA
/
BIOLOGIA MOLECULAR
Ano de publicação:
2011
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos