The impact of translocations and gene fusions on cancer causation

Chromosome aberrations, in particular translocations and their corresponding gene fusions, have an important role in the initial steps of tumorigenesis; at present, 358 gene fusions involving 337 different genes have been identified. An increasing number of gene fusions are being recognized as important diagnostic and prognostic parameters in malignant haematological disorders and childhood sarcomas. The biological and clinical impact of gene fusions in the more common solid tumour types has been less appreciated. However, an analysis of available data shows that gene fusions occur in all malignancies, and that they account for 20% of human cancer morbidity. With the advent of new and powerful investigative tools that enable the detection of cytogenetically cryptic rearrangements, this proportion is likely to increase substantially.