oncogene addiction
A cancer cell's dependence on continued oncogene activity for survival and proliferation, creating therapeutic vulnerability when the oncogene is targeted.
Full Definition
Oncogene addiction describes the phenomenon where cancer cells become dependent on the continued function of specific oncogenes for their survival, even when multiple genetic alterations are present. This concept is fundamental to precision oncology because it explains why targeting a single oncogene can be therapeutically effective despite tumor complexity. When cancer cells develop addiction to an oncogene like EGFR or HER2, targeted inhibition can lead to dramatic tumor responses. The principle underlies many successful precision oncology treatments, including imatinib for BCR-ABL1-positive leukemias and trastuzumab for HER2-positive breast cancers. Understanding oncogene addiction helps predict which patients will benefit from specific targeted therapies.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize when referring to the formal concept; lowercase in general usage.
In Context
- "The dramatic response to erlotinib demonstrated classic oncogene addiction to mutant EGFR." — case study report
- "Oncogene addiction provides the rationale for single-agent targeted therapy in precision oncology." — review article