The Origin and Development of Human Tumors Studied with Cell Markers

Abstract

AMONG the more remarkable but least understood homeostatic mechanisms of higher organisms are those that govern tissue development, growth and repair. Considering the trillions of cells involved and the complexity and duration of these processes from fertilization until death, it is surprising that functional derangements such as neoplasia do not occur more frequently. Even so, cancer is one of the chief causes of human suffering and death, and, as such, has been the subject of intense research. In animals, such factors as genetic predisposition, viruses, radiation, chemicals, dietary components and hormones are known carcinogens, but they have been conclusively associated . . .