malignant transformation

Malignant transformation is the biological process by which normal cells change into cancer cells. This transformation is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and division, a failure of cells to die when they should, and the ability to invade surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body (metastasis).12

This process is often driven by alterations in a cell's genetic and epigenetic codes. These changes can be caused by external factors like chemicals, viruses, or radiation, or by internal genetic variations. Proto-oncogenes, which promote cell growth, can become overactive, while tumor suppressor genes, which inhibit growth, can become inactivated, leading to uncontrolled proliferation.23

Viruses can also play a role in malignant transformation by integrating their DNA into the host cell's chromosomes, disrupting normal cell functions and leading to cancerous growth. The accumulation of multiple genetic and epigenetic changes over time is typically required for a cell to become fully cancerous. Malignant cells often lose their normal characteristics, such as their response to contact inhibition and their ability to undergo programmed cell death (apoptosis).4256