[Mechanisms of carcinogenesis associated with DNA repair].

The paper presents data from the literature and the author's own materials on the correlation between the extent of activity of reparation processes and the development of cell malignization. A review cites the results of investigations on the molecular mechanisms in some hereditary human diseases in which a defect in some stages of the reparation processes has been found (xeroderma, ataxia telangesthesia. Fanconi anemia, Down's syndrome, etc.). These diseases are also characterized by a high rate of neoplasia development. It is emphasized that inhibition of the reparation process is observed only in the first stages of normal cell transformation into a malignant one. A correlation between carcinogenic and mutagenic activity of chemical compounds which is in favour of the mutation hypothesis of the origin of tumours is discussed.