Is 'bad luck' an important determinant of cancer incidence and does this concept apply to kidney tumors?

Nephron
Enrico Garattini, Alessandra Tavani

Abstract

A study recently published in Science demonstrates a strong correlation between the total number of stem cell divisions and the lifetime risk of cancer in various organs. The tumors considered are divided into two classes, that is, D (Deterministic) and R (Replicative). Stochastic factors presumably attributable to errors deriving from DNA replication are proposed to be at the basis of R-tumor frequency, leading to the conclusion that 'bad luck' is a primary determinant of certain types of cancer. The present Second Opinion highlights potential problems associated with the hypothesis of the study, as some of these also apply to kidney cancer. The aim is to point out that chance is not a major cause of cancer incidence because it is not substantiated by the data available through epidemiological evidence. In particular, we highlight that differences in tumor incidence associated with sex and geographic areas are not in line with the 'bad luck' hypothesis. Further aspects of tumor biology that do not entirely fit with the idea that stochastic events related to DNA replication of normal stem cells are the heterogeneity of the cancer cell phenotype and the heterogeneity of intra-organ localization, often observed in tumors originat...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Astrocytes

Astrocytes are glial cells that support the blood-brain barrier, facilitate neurotransmission, provide nutrients to neurons, and help repair damaged nervous tissues. Here is the latest research.

Cancer Stem Cells in Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive type of brain tumor. It contains a population of tumor initiating stem cell-like cells known as cancer stem cells. Investigations are ongoing into these cancer stem cells found in these solid tumors which are highly resistance to treatment. Here is the latest research on cancer stem cells in glioblastoma.