The progression of cancer, according to the Vogelstein model, follows a series of defined stages:
Initiation: The initial mutation often occurs in a tumor suppressor gene like APC, leading to a small adenomatous polyp. Promotion: Additional mutations, such as those in the KRAS oncogene, cause the polyp to grow and become more dysplastic. Progression: Further genetic alterations, including loss of tumor suppressor genes like p53, result in the transformation of the polyp into an invasive carcinoma.
