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The origin of human cancers

Nature volume 289, pages 353–357 (1981)Cite this article

Abstract

The limited evidence available suggests that most human cancers are not caused by conventional mutagens but are more likely to be the result of genetic transpositions. Although the molecular biology of transposition is starting to be understood, the external factors that influence its frequency have not yet been studied in any detail.

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  1. John Cairns

    Present address: Harvard School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115

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  1. Imperial Cancer Research Fund, Burtonhole Lane, London, NW7 1AD, UK

    John Cairns

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Cairns, J. The origin of human cancers. Nature 289, 353–357 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1038/289353a0

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