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The selection of advantageous mutations underlies tumorigenesis. The growth of a tumor is therefore a form of evolution at the somatic level, in which the population is comprised of individual cells within the tumor. Models of tumorigenesis have considered the relative importance of mutation and selection. We show that selection is more important than an increased mutation rate in the growth of a tumor. Some cancers may acquire a "mutator phenotype," probably leading to faster growth, but mutator phenotypes are not necessary for carcinogenesis.

Original publication

DOI

10.1073/pnas.93.25.14800

Type

Journal article

Journal

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A

Publication Date

10/12/1996

Volume

93

Pages

14800 - 14803

Keywords

Biological Evolution, Humans, Mutation, Neoplasms