Cancer gene is now one of the fastest expanding medical specialties. At the molecular level, cancer is caused by mutation(s) in DNA, which result in aberrant cell proliferation. Most of these mutations are acquired and occur in somatic cells. However, some people inherit mutation(s) in the germline, such as oncogenes. Oncogenes are genes that have the potential to cause cancer. Most normal cells will undergo a programmed form of rapid cell death (apoptosis) when critical functions are altered. Activated oncogenes can cause those cells designated for apoptosis to survive and proliferate instead. Most oncogenes require an additional step, such as mutations in another gene, or environmental factors, such as viral infection, to cause cancer.
In the present book, twelve typical literatures about cancer genes published on international authoritative journals were selected to introduce the worldwide newest progress, which contains reviews or original researches on medical science, genetics, oncology, etc. We hope this book can demonstrate advances in cancer genes as well as give references to the researchers, students and other related people.