Cancer: A cell cycle defect

Cell homeostasis is regulated by proliferation, growth arrest and apoptosis. Negative growth rate controls such as growth arrest and apoptosis are vital pathways governing aberrant development in the contribution to malignancy. Apoptosis provides the mechanism by which damaged or superfluous cells are effectively removed from the cell pool. As the cell progresses from one phase to another it is tightly regulated by a number of controls. Defects of these surveillance checkpoints may lead to an accumulation of DNA abnormalities and subsequent pathological disorders. This review considers an overview of the intricate and complex regulation of the cell cycle with potential therapeutic targets. The roles of key players are highlighted in an attempt to provide an insight into the ever increasing body of evidence of interplay and pathways of cell progression, arrest and death with deregulation leading to initiation of tumourigenesis. (C) 2006 The College of Radiographers. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.