What is the multiple- hit model?

The multiple-hit model is a concept in cancer Biology that suggests the development of cancer typically requires multiple genetic mutations or "hits" to accumulate over time. These mutations can occur in various oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and DNA repair genes, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation. The model emphasizes that cancer is a multistep process, rather than arising from a single mutation, and highlights the complexity of cancer development. This understanding has implications for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies in oncology.