ras oncogene detection in pre-neoplastic lesions: possible applications for diagnosis and prevention.

The development of methodologies for the early detection of genetic mutations is an important issue in the prevention and treatment of malignancy. Current knowledge of the association of specific genetic alterations with the development of certain types of tumors enables us to approach the early detection of cancer long before histologic or pathologic evidence indicates the development of neoplastic tumor growth. The identification of genetic alterations as biological markers allows for early diagnosis, which in turn may dictate a particular regimen of treatment to prevent subsequent tumor development. This commentary presents an evaluation of the current status of procedures for the early detection of mutations in the ras oncogene family and their relevance to diagnosis and prevention of neoplastic disease.