Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) Certification Practice Test

Oncogenes are critical drivers in the development of cancer through their role in promoting uncontrollable cell division. When a normal proto-oncogene is mutated or overexpressed, it can lead to a gain of function that encourages the cell to proliferate excessively. This unregulated cell growth contributes to tumor formation and progression, making oncogenes pivotal in the oncogenic process.

In addition to their role in cell division, oncogenes can affect various signaling pathways that lead to increased survival, proliferation, and invasion of cancer cells, further facilitating the development of malignancies. Understanding the function of oncogenes underscores their importance in targeted therapies, which often focus on inhibiting the pathways activated by these genetic alterations to control cancer growth.