The molecular biology of cervical cancer

Cervical cancer remains a major worldwide health problem, especially in dev eloping countries. Over the last few decades many advancements have been ma de in determining the molecular genetics of the development of cancer This paper attempts to summarize the major disturbances in cellular function kno wn to date to play a role in the development of cervical cancer. The role o f human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the development of cervical cance r is a major player in the generic abnormalities described thus far. The ef fects of HPV E6 and E7 on important cell cycle genes are discussed. As onco genes and tumor suppressor genes have been described in the different types of cancer; their possible role in cervical cancer has been investigated. T he possible role of angiogenesis and angiogenic factors is described. Becau se of the importance of HPV infection in the development of cervical cancer ; the role of the body's immune function in this cancer is also under sturd y, and the results of these findings are summarized. Although a complete pa radigm of the development of cervical cancer from normal cervical epitheliu m is not yet known, continued study in this area will hopefully lend to a d efined progression of molecular and immunologic abnormalities that cause th e disease. The goal would be to we this information to help prevent and/or treat cervical cancer in the future.