Core Hallmarks (8 Functional Capabilities)

Sustaining Proliferative Signaling

Cancer cells generate their own growth signals or hijack signaling pathways to continuously promote cell division

Evading Growth Suppressors

They bypass mechanisms that normally inhibit cell proliferation, such as tumor suppressor genes

Resisting Cell Death

Cancer cells avoid programmed cell death (apoptosis), allowing survival despite damage or stress

Enabling Replicative Immortality

They maintain telomere length to support unlimited division, overcoming normal cellular aging limits

Inducing or Accessing Vasculature

Tumors stimulate new blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) or co-opt existing vessels to secure nutrients and oxygen

Activating Invasion and Metastasis

Cancer cells acquire the ability to invade surrounding tissues and spread to distant sites

Reprogramming Cellular Metabolism

They alter metabolic pathways to support rapid growth and survival

Avoiding Immune Destrcition

Cancer cells evade detection and elimination by the immune system through various mechanisms

Genome Instability and Mutation

An increased mutation rate provides genetic diversity, facillitating the development of tother hallmarks

Tumor-Promoting Inflammation

Chronic inflammation in the tumor microenvironment supports multiple aspects of tumor development and progression

Unlocking Phenotypic Plasticity

Cancer cells gain the ability to adopt various cell states, aiding in adaptation and survival

Nonmutational Epigenetic Reprogramming

Epigenetic changes alter gene expression without changing DNA sequences, contributing to cancer progression

Polymorphic Microbiomes

Variations in the microbiome influence cancer development and response to therapy

Senescent Cells

Cells in the tumor envrionment can promote tumor growth through secreted factors.