Introduction To Oncogenes And Molecular Cancer Medicine

Providing the physician with a solid understanding of molecular biology and its applications for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, this book reviews the basic molecular and other principles of cancer medicine, including controls of cell growth and senescence, carcinogenesis, tumorogenesis, and epidemiology. The second part of the book gives clinical examples to demonstrate the basic science principles, including chapters on leukaemia, colon cancer, and breast cancer. A chapter on molecular diagnostics and screening plus a chapter on new molecular anti-cancer therapies allow readers an insight into current therapies as well as the future of molecular cancer medicine. A useful glossary defines new terminology at-a-glance. Written in a user-friendly, conversational format, this text will be welcomed by all physicians eager to sharpen their own understanding of molecular cancer medicine as well as to help them provide patients with balanced information on the advances and limitations of current treatment options.

Begins with a clinically based description and classification of what cancer represents as a disease of cells, then continues with a review of the historical basis of the oncogene concept. It generates a general perspective on the genetic contributions to carcinogenesis as an integrated disease process.

This topical, handy volume is the perfect guide for physicians or scientists not specializing in the field, but wishing to understand exciting recent developments in cellular and molecular biology relevant to oncogene research. The terminology used in discussing oncogenes and their products is straightforwardly defined, and the concepts crucial to an understanding of oncogene research are clearly presented. Key topics are explored, including assay techniques used in molecular biology; methods for assessing behavior of normal genes and oncogenes; DNA and RNA tumor viruses; viruses inducing immunodeficiency; cellular proto-oncogenes and their relation to retroviral oncogenes; and possible roles of gene amplification and mutation, chromosomal translocation, and cellular growth factors in human cancer. An up-to-date survey of research on the major oncogenes and a discussion of the possibilities for future diagnostic and therapeutic applications of oncogene research are provided. The presentation is enhanced through many original illustrations, an appendix on oncogenes and related genes, and an up-to-date bibliography.

. What is cancer?, L.M. Franks and Margaret A. Knowles. 2. The causes of cancer, Naomi Allen, Robert Newton, Amy Berrington de Gonzalez, Jane Green, Emily Banks, and Timothy J. Key. 3. Inherited Susceptibility to Cancer, D. Timothy Bishop. 4. DNA Repair and Cancer, Beate Koberle, John P. Wittschieben, and Richard D. Wood. 5. Epigenetic Events in Cancer, Jonathan C. Cheng and Peter A. Jones. 6. Molecular Cytogenetics of Cancer, Denise. Sheer and Janet Shipley. 7. Oncogenes, Margaret A. Knowles. 8. Tumour suppressor genes, Sonia Lain and David P. Lane. 9. The cancer cell cycle, Chris J. Norbury. 10. Cellular immortalization and telomerase activation in cancer, Robert F. Newbold. 11. Growth factors and their signalling pathways in cancer, Sally A. Prigent. 12. Apoptosis: molecular physiology and significance for cancer therapeutics, Dean A. Fennell. 13. Mechanisms of Viral Carcinogenesis, Paul Farrell. 14. Cytokines and Cancer, Peter W. Szlosarek and Frances R. Balkwill. 15. Hormones and cancer, Charlotte L. Bevan. 16. The spread of tumours, Ian Hart. 17. Angiogenesis, K.Tahtis and R.Bicknell. 18. Stem cells, heamopoiesis, and leukaemia, Mel Greaves. 19. Animal models of cancer, Jos Jonkers and Anton Berns. 20. The immunology of cancer, Peter C. L. Beverley. 21. The molecular pathology of cancer, Tatjana Crnogorac-Jurcevic, Richard Poulsom, and Nicholas R. Lemoine. 22. From transcriptome to proteome, Silvana Debernardi, Rachel Craven, Bryan D. Young, and Rosamonde E. Banks. 23. Local treatment of cancer, Ian S. Fentiman. 24. Chemotherapy, D.R. Camidge and D.I. Jodrell. 25. Radiotherapy and molecular radiotherapy, Anne Kiltie. 26. Monoclonal antibodies and therapy, T. Geldart, M.J. Glennie, and P.W.M. Johnson. 27. Immunotherapy of cancer, Andrew M. Jackson and Joanne Porte. 28. Cancer gene therapy, John David Chester. 29. Screening, Peter Sasieni and Jack Cuzick. 30. Conclusions and prospects, Peter Selby and Margaret A Knowles.

The role of molecular genetics in the treatment of malignancy continues to grow at an astonishing rate. Today’s subspecialized multidisciplinary approach to oncology has incorporated advances in targeted molecular therapy, prognosis, risk assessment, and prevention—all based at least in part on molecular diagnostics and imaging. Inside this cutting-edge resource, readers will explore broad, comprehensive perspectives on the current trends in molecular diagnosis of cancer and personalized cancer medicine. Authoritative discussions share insights from noted experts in cancer research, clinical trials, molecular diagnostics, personalized therapy, bioinformatics, and federal regulations. From the basic mechanisms of carcinogenesis to the most advanced molecular screening, staging, and treatment technologies, readers will discover clear and straightforward discussions directly relevant to patient diagnosis and care.

The Molecular Biology of Cancer, Stella Pelengaris & Michael Khan This capturing, comprehensive text, extensively revised and updated for its second edition, provides a detailed overview of the molecular mechanisms underpinning the development of cancer and its treatment. “Bench to Bedside”: A key strength of this book that sets it apart from general cancer biology references is the interweaving of all aspects of cancer biology from the causes, development and diagnosis through to the treatment and care of cancer patients – essential for providing a broader view of cancer and its impact. The highly readable presentation of a complex field, written by an international panel of researchers, specialists and practitioners, would provide an excellent text for graduate and undergraduate courses in the biology of cancer, medical students and qualified practitioners in the field preparing for higher exams, and for researchers and teachers in the field. For the teaching of cancer biology, special features have been included to facilitate this use: bullet points at the beginning of each chapter explaining key concepts and controversial areas; each chapter builds on concepts learned in previous chapters, with a list of key outstanding questions remaining in the field, suggestions for further reading, and questions for student review. All chapters contain text boxes that provide additional and relevant information. Key highlights are listed below: An overview of the cancer cell and important new concepts. Selected human cancers: lung, breast, colorectal, prostate, renal, skin, cervix, and hematological malignancies. Key cellular processes in cancer biology including (a) traditionally important areas such as cell cycle control, growth regulation, oncogenes and tumour suppressors apoptosis, as well as (b) more highly topical areas of apoptosis, telomeres, DNA damage and repair, cell adhesion, angiogenesis, immunity, epigenetics, and the proteasome. Clinical oncology: In-depth coverage of important concepts such as screening, risk of cancer and prevention, diagnoses, managing cancer patients from start to palliative care and end-of-life pathways. Chapters highlighting the direct links between cancer research and clinical applications. New coverage on how cancer drugs are actually used in specific cancer patients, and how therapies are developed and tested. Systems Biology and cutting edge research areas covered such as RNA interference (RNAi). Each chapter includes key points, chapter summaries, text boxes, and topical references for added comprehension and review. Quotations have been used in each chapter to introduce basic concepts in an entertaining way. Supported by a dedicated website at www.blackwellpublishing.com/pelengaris We should list the great reviews we got for first edition which are on the back of the 2nd edition: “A capturing, comprehensive, clearly written and absolutely accurate introduction into cancer biology.....This book deserves great praise for the readable presentation of this complex field....the true synthesis of bench and bedside approaches is marvelously achieved.” Christian Schmidt, Molecular Cell “Chapters address the issues of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient care and set the book apart from general molecular biology references....This book is applicable to both graduate and undergraduate students, and in the context of a research laboratory, this book would be an excellent resource as a reference guide for scientists at all levels.” V.Emuss, Institute of Cancer Research, London. Also, from the first edition: “Pelengaris, Khan, and the contributing authors are to be applauded. The Molecular Biology of Cancer is a comprehensive and readable presentation of the many faces of cancer from molecular mechanisms to clinical therapies and diagnostics. This book will be welcomed by neophyte students, established scientists in other fields, and curious physicians.” -Dean Felsher, Stanford University

Cancer research is now an interdisciplinary effort requiring a basic knowledge of commonly used terms, facts, issues, and concepts. This interdisciplinary book meets this need, providing an authoritative overview to the field. It presents many of the molecules and mechanisms generally important in human cancers and examines a broad, but exemplary, selection of cancers. In addition, cancer research has now reached a critical stage, in which the accumulated knowledge on molecular mechanisms is gradually translated into improved prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This book summarizes the state, pitfalls, and potential of these efforts.

At the midpoint of the 20th century, our knowledge of cancer was based on epide- ology and pathology, and treatment consisted of surgery and radiation therapy. At mid-century, Medawar and colleagues initiated the understanding of transplantation immunology, Farber described the first use of an antifolic drug to treat leukemia, and Jacobson and coworkers described the irradiation-protection effect of spleen cells. These observations opened the door to the development of chemotherapy and tra- plantation in the treatment of cancer. Despite the rapid development of these new disciplines, progress was usually based on empiric observations and clinical trials. The rapid advances in molecular biology at the end of the 20th century mark a new era in our knowledge of cancer. Molecular immunology, molecular genetics, mole- lar pharmacology, and the Human Genome Project are in the process of providing a level of understanding of cancer undreamed of in the past. Optimism is based on the firm belief that understanding at the molecular level will lead to better and earlier di- nosis, to new forms of treatment, and, most importantly, eventually to prevention of many types of cancer.