A waiting time problem arising from the study of multi-stage carcinogenesis

Rick Durrett, Deena Schmidt, and Jason Schweinsberg

Abstract. We consider the population genetics problem: How long does it take before some member of the population has m specified mutations? The case m =2 is relevant to onset of cancer due to the inactivation of both copies of a tumor suppressor gene. Models for larger m are needed for colon cancer and other diseases where a sequence of mutations leads to cells with uncontrolled growth.

Preprint

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