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Molecular mechanisms and pathways in bladder cancer development and progression.

BACKGROUND
The basis for bladder cancer development and progression is complex and involves genetic abnormalities. These abnormalities yield phenotypic changes that allow normal transitional cells to become cancerous and finally acquire the "malignant phenotype."


METHODS
The authors review the most common genetic alterations in bladder cancer and the molecular mechanisms and pathways involved in the conversion of normal transitional cell into malignant transitional cancer cells.


RESULTS
There are several potential genetic changes of the urothelium that eventually cause bladder cancer initiation and tumor progression. Some of these alterations are also found in other malignancies suggesting that key common pathways exist in the development of cancer.


CONCLUSIONS
As the roles of certain genes or proteins are further elucidated, a better understanding of cancer development can aid in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of bladder cancer.