Involvement of the ras genes in female genital tract cancer.

Human carcinogenesis is a multistep process involving complicated genetic events in which several onco-genes and oncosuppressor genes are implicated. The role of ras oncogenes in cellular transformation and apoptosis has been extensively examined and the dual role of ras as oncogene and oncosuppressor gene has been supported. Activation of ras occurs either by genomic alterations such as point mutations or by modulation of Ras protein expression. Many molecular and immunohistochemical studies have focused on ras activation in a wide range of human tumours. In this review, we summarize available information regarding the genomic and expression alterations of ras oncogenes in cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancer. Gynecological malignancies represent some of the most well- studied types of human cancer concerning ras activation and its possible use in clinical practice.