ras genes, p53 and HPV as prognostic indicators in human cancer (review)

The role of oncogenes and once-suppressor genes in carcinogenesis has been well documented. Among oncogenes and once-suppressor genes, ras and p53 genes respectively are involved in the majority of human tumours. Almost all human tumours harbour alterations of both or either of these genes in various frequencies. The clarification of their role in human tumours may be useful in the early diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Human papillomaviruses (HPV) types 16, 18 and a number of additional HPV types have been found to be associated with the cancer of the cervix and in other anogenital cancers. The aim of the present study is to summarise available information of the role of ras and p53 genes and HPVs in carcinogenesis and to reveal their potential application in the clinical practice.