Application of the Quantum Hit Theory to Virus-provoked Tumours

Abstract

IN two previous papers^1,2, the quantum theoretical hit theory, which has been applied so successfully, for example, to gene mutations, has been applied to the problem of spontaneous cancer and cancer induced by carcinogenic hydrocarbons. The fundamental assumption of the hit hypothesis is that most, if not all, biological processes are ultimately governed by certain control centres, which are situated in the cell nuclei and are thought of as giant molecules making quantum jumps when acted upon by different agents such as chemical substances, viruses, neutrons, X-rays and other ionizing radiations. In the case of mutations, these centres are now generally believed to be genes. Analogously, we have assumed in the papers referred to above that there is in each cell a certain control centre, perhaps of an enzyme-like nature, which controls the velocity of the chemical chain reactions which in turn control the velocity of growth and thus the rate of proliferation of the cells.