Tumor growth – a modern view of pathogenesis and pharmacotherapy (lecture)

The lecture presents up-to-date information on the prevalence of cancer in the world and in the Russian Federation. The main risk factors and causes of malignant tumors are considered. Particular attention is paid to the mechanisms of transformation of normal cells into tumor cells, and the role of oncogenes and anti-oncogenes in the initiation of malignant growth is shown. Based on modern information about carcinogenesis, the pathogenetic significance of the molecular mechanisms of malignant cell growth at various stages (initiation, promotion, progression) of the tumor process is shown. The mechanisms of evasion of tumors from the influence of immune and other mechanisms that restrain their emergence and development in the body are described, and it is also shown how the spread (metastasis) of malignant cells occurs. The modern tumor markers are presented, on the basis of which the earlier detection of malignant diseases is performed. Particular attention is paid to molecular diagnostic approaches to assessing the risk of occurrence and early diagnosis of malignant neoplasms. Genomic, epigenetic and interactomic tumor markers, which are used in leading domestic and foreign oncological centers, are considered. The most promising approaches to the creation of effective anticancer drugs obtained on the basis of the achievements of molecular biology and bioinformatics are highlighted.