A general survey of genetics and cancer.

As the molecular details of cancer have begun to unfold, it has become apparent that the cellular genetic apparatus is defective in the malignant cell. Accordingly, we have attempted to review the prominent aspects of genetics research as it impinges on the problem of cancer. Although the field is immense, we have tried to cover four major areas: human genetics, molecular genetics, somatic cell genetics, and developmental genetics. Oncogenes are considered in detail in all of these areas, and a new map (42 entries) of oncogene positions on human chromosomes is presented.