driver mutation
A genetic alteration that directly contributes to cancer development and progression by providing growth advantage to cells.
Full Definition
Driver mutations are genetic changes that confer selective advantage to cancer cells, promoting survival, proliferation, or metastasis. These mutations occur in cancer driver genes and are distinguished from passenger mutations, which are present but do not contribute to cancer phenotypes. Driver mutations are typically found recurrently across cancer types and affect key cellular pathways including growth signaling, apoptosis evasion, and DNA repair. Identification of driver mutations is crucial for targeted therapy selection and understanding cancer biology.
Usage
Usage note: Contrast explicitly with passenger mutations when discussing tumor evolution.
In Context
- "KRAS G12C represents a prevalent driver mutation in lung adenocarcinoma." — Molecular pathology report
- "The tumor harbored multiple driver mutations affecting different cellular pathways." — Genomic analysis summary