ABSTRACT

The application of molecular biology principles and techniques to the understanding of the carcinogenesis process has produced a revolutionary and ever-expanding body of knowledge that is poised to impact prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of solid tumors. Already, knowledge of genes expressed at different stages of cancer development and progression helps determine the clinical significance and prognosis of certain premalignant and early cancerous lesions of the breast and colon. Perhaps the greatest contribution of molecular biology to the present management of cancer is in the risk assessment and surveillance of asymptomatic clients through accurate and targeted predictive testing of individuals at increased risk.