Basic science reviews: Oncogenes

We have discussed oncogenes and their protein products which act at various sites in tumor cells, with special consideration for tumors of the head and neck. In a few systems studied, application of this knowledge has led to preliminary therapeutic interventions. While abnormal expression and function of these genes and proteins are responsible for transformation to the malignant phenotype, further study of these oncogenes will also help illuminate the mechanisms of normal cellular growth and differentiation. Although cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract are heterogeneous in origin and the multi-step process of carcinogenesis is likely to vary in different tumors, the head and neck tumor spectrum is a good model for tumorigenesis and should provide valuable insight into general carcinogenesis and normal cellular growth controls.