Multiple mutations and cancer

Most human tumors are highly heterogenous. We have hypothesized that this heterogeneity results from a mutator phenotype. Our premise is that normal mutation rates are insufficient to account for the multiple mutations found in human cancers, and, instead, that cancers must exhibit a mutator phenotype early during their evolution. Here, we examine the current status and implications of the mutator phenotype hypothesis for the prognosis, treatment, and prevention of human cancers.

• UO
  University of Washington
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: ES-07032, ES-07032-22
• NC
  National Cancer Institute

  Award: CA77852