The Ten Hallmarks of Cancer
Whilst there exist over two hundred known types of cancers, ten specific traits have been identified that are inherent to each one.
These hallmarks of cancer are the anticancer defence mechanisms hardwired into all cells that must be breached in order for a cell to become cancerous.
Sustained proliferation: Cancer cells multiply out of control by creating proteins that encourage their explosive growth.
Insensitivity to antigrowth signals: Cancer cells disarm the processes the body uses to put the brakes on unwanted cell division.
Evasion of apoptosis: Normal cells self-destruct when they detect an error that cannot be repaired, but cancer cells thrive despite these errors.
Replicative immortality: Normal cells die after a certain number of divisions. Conversely, cancer cells are immortal.
Sustained angiogenesis: Cancer cells are able to orchestrate the creation of new blood vessels to supply them with the oxygen and nutrients they need to grow.
Ability to metastasise: Cancer cells can spread to other sites in the body where space, oxygen, and nutrients are more powerful.
Dysregulated energetics: Cancer cells alter their method of energy production and increase their metabolic rate in order to sustain rapid growth.
Immune evasion: Cancer cells suppress the function of key immune cells, including natural killer (NK) cells, while also evading immune surveillance systems.
Inflammation: Tumours activate an inflammatory response that can increase their access to growth factors and blood supply.
Genetic instability: Almost all cancer cells have defects in their ability to repair DNA, allowing the reproduction of mutated cells.