Genes That Control Growth
Oncogenes
Mutated growth-promoting genes stuck in the ON position — e.g., KRAS, MYC, HER2.
Tumor Suppressor Genes
Brakes on cell growth that, when lost, let cells divide freely — e.g., TP53, RB1, APC.
DNA Repair Genes
BRCA1/2 and mismatch-repair genes; defects accelerate mutation.
Epigenetic Changes
Chemical tags that silence or activate genes without changing DNA sequence.
Hallmarks of Cancer
- Sustained growth signaling
- Evading growth suppressors
- Resisting cell death
- Unlimited replication
- Inducing blood-vessel growth (angiogenesis)
- Invasion and metastasis
- Reprogrammed metabolism
- Evading immune destruction
Why It Matters for Treatment
Molecular profiling identifies drivers that targeted therapies can block and features that predict immunotherapy response. See Targeted Therapy and Genetic Testing.
Medically reviewed content for education only — not a substitute for advice from your oncology team.