Under normal circumstances, cell growth and division are tightly regulated by a series of checkpoints in the cell cycle. These checkpoints ensure that cells only divide when it is necessary and appropriate. In cancer, mutations in certain genes disrupt these regulatory mechanisms. Key genes involved in this process include oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Oncogenes promote cell growth and division, while tumor suppressor genes inhibit it. Mutations in these genes can lead to the loss of control over cell proliferation.
