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How Cancer Cells Grow: Genetic Mutations & Treatments

By Dr. Meenu Walia in Medical Oncology , Cancer Care / Oncology , Breast Cancer , Gynecologic Oncology

Jun 03 , 2025 | 2 min read

Cancer is a complex and multifaceted disease that is set apart by the uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal cells in the human body. Unlike normal cells, which grow, divide, and die in a regulated manner, cancer cells bypass these controls, leading to the formation of tumours in the human body. In some cases, these cells spread to other parts of the body, a process known as metastasis.

Understanding Normal Cell Growth

In the human body, cells follow a significant life cycle that involves growth, division, and programming of cell death known as apoptosis. This process is strictly regulated by genes and several molecular signals, ensuring that new cells are created only when needed. Any deviation in this balance can result in uncontrolled growth, which is the hallmark of cancer.

What Makes Cancer Cells Different?

Cancer cells differ from normal cells in several key ways:

Uncontrolled Growth: These cells continue to divide without giving the normal signals.
Evasion of Apoptosis: These cells avoid programmed cell death, making them significantly 'immortal.'
Genetic Mutations: Changes in DNA allow them to act more aggressively.
Ability to Invade: These cells can penetrate into surrounding tissues, leading to spread to other organs.

The Role of Genetic Mutations

Cancer usually begins with genetic mutations in the DNA of normal cells. These mutations of cells can be inherited, such as genetic predisposition, or acquired because of external factors like smoking, radiation, and viral infections. Once a cell becomes cancerous, it can accumulate further mutations, becoming even more aggressive.

Factors Influencing Cancer Growth

Several factors can influence how quickly cancer grows and spreads:

Tumour Microenvironment: The cancer cells develop a supportive environment around them, including new blood vessels known as angiogenesis.
Immune Evasion: These cells develop a mechanism to escape detection by the immune system.
Energy Metabolism: Cancer cells often switch to a unique way of producing energy called aerobic glycolysis to sustain rapid growth.
Hormonal Influence: Some cancers, such as breast cancer or prostate cancer, grow in response to hormones.

How Cancer Cells Spread Metastasis

Metastasis is the process by which cancer cells travel from their original location to other parts of the human body. They achieve this movement through:

Invasion: Getting in through breaking nearby tissues.
Intravasation: Entering into the blood vessels or lymphatic systems.
Circulation: Moving through the bloodstream in the body.
Extravasation: Exiting into the new tissues of the human body.
Growth: Establishing new tumours.

How Treatments Target Cancer Cells

Understanding the unique characteristics of cancer cells has led to the development of targeted treatments in cancer, such as:

Chemotherapy: This procedure uses drugs to kill rapidly dividing cells.
Radiation Therapy: The radiation therapy destroys cancer cells using high-energy rays.
Immunotherapy: Boosts the body's immune system to recognise and fight cancer cells.
Targeted Therapy: Blocks specific molecules involved in cancer growth within the human body.

Conclusion

Understanding how cancer cells grow and spread within the human body is crucial for developing effective treatments. It allows consultants and researchers to design and develop therapies that target specific aspects of cancer cell behaviour, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

If you have concerns about cancer or wish to learn more about the latest advancements in cancer care, feel free to seek expert advice at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj.