The Molecular Biology of Cancer 2006

This comprehensive text provides a detailed overview of the molecular mechanisms underpinning the development of cancer and its treatment. Written by an international panel of researchers, specialists and practitioners in the field, the text discusses all aspects of cancer biology from the causes, development and diagnosis through to the treatment of cancer.

Written by an international panel of researchers, specialists and practitioners in the field

Covers both traditional areas of study and areas of controversy and emerging importance, highlighting future directions for research

Features up-to-date coverage of recent studies and discoveries, as well as a solid grounding in the key concepts in the field

Each chapter includes key points, chapter summaries, text boxes, and topical references for added comprehension and review

Supported by a dedicated website at www.blackwellpublishing.com/pelengaris

An excellent text for upper-level courses in the biology of cancer, for medical students and qualified practitioners preparing for higher exams, and for researchers and teachers in the field

Stella Pelengaris PhD is a Senior Research Fellow in Molecular Medicine in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Warwick and Warwick Medical School. While working as a PDRA at the Imperial Cancer Research Fund, she established a series of unique model systems for studying the role of c-Myc and apoptosis in cancer initiation and reversal. Since 1999 she and Mike Khan have jointly run the cancer biology research group at the University of Warwick where, in collaboration with Gerard Evan, they have confirmed the inherent tumor-suppressor activity of c-Myc (apoptosis) as a major barrier to oncogenic deregulation of c-Myc. The group is currently researching the role of c-Myc in both oncogenesis and in the apoptosis of beta cells in diabetes.

Mike Khan PhD FRCP is a Consultant Endocrinologist and Physician at the University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire and Head of Molecular Medicine at the University of Warwick and Warwick Medical School. He was elected as a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in 2002 and as a Member of the Association of Physicians in 2004. His main research interests have been in the regulation of tissue growth and plasticity during development and in adult tissue homeostasis. Currently, he is collaborating with mathematicians and others in a systems biology approach to define key functional gene and protein networks involved in regulating cell fate.

Dr Khan and Dr Pelengaris jointly run various postgraduate training courses at masters level and beyond in cancer biology and in lipid metabolism/diabetes. They also are coauthors of the textbook Lipids and Diabetes (2002).

“The explosion of information on the molecular biology of cancer, and its widespread and immediate availability via the internet, provides major challenges for those engaged in cancer treatment and research. A single up-to-date reference textbook on this topic is needed more than ever. This book will go a long way towards meeting this need, providing a valuable resource for a range of individuals and departments.”
Stan Kaye, Royal Marsden Hospital, London

“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

"This book deserves great praise for the readable presentation of this complex field." Molecular Cancer, November 2007

Preface.
1. Introduction: Stella Pelengaris & Mike Khan (both University of Warwick).
2. The Burden of Cancer: Will Steward & Anne Thomas (both University of Leicester).
3. Nature and Nurture in Oncogenesis: Stella Pelengaris & Mike Khan (both University of Warwick).
4. DNA Replication and the Cell Cycle: Stella Pelengaris & Mike Khan (both University of Warwick).
5. Regulation of Growth: Growth Factors, Receptors and Signaling Pathways: Stella Pelengaris & Mike Khan (both University of Warwick).
6. Oncogenes: Stella Pelengaris & Mike Khan (both University of Warwick).
7. Tumor Suppressor Genes: Martine Roussel (St. Jude's Children’s Cancer Research Hospital).
8. Apoptosis: Stella Pelengaris & Mike Khan (both University of Warwick).
9. Telomeres and Senescence: Maria Blasco & Mike Khan (Spanish National Cancer Center, Madrid; University of Warwick).
10. Genetic Instability, Chromosomes, and Repair: Stella Pelengaris & Mike Khan (both University of Warwick).
11. Cancer is More Than a Genetic Condition: Stella Pelengaris & Mike Khan (both University of Warwick).
12. Cell-Matrix Adhesion, Cell-Cell Interactions and Malignancy: Charles Streuli (University of Manchester).
13. Tumor Immunity and Immunotherapy: Cassian Yee (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, University of Washington).
14. Angiogenesis: David T. Shima & Christiana Ruhrberg (Eyetech Research Center; University College of London).
15. Diagnosis of Cancer: Anne Thomas & Will Steward (both University of Leicester).
16. Treatment of Cancer: Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy: Anne Thomas (University of Leicester), R. A. Sharma (Royal Marsden Hospital, UK) and Will Steward (University of Leicester).
17. Caring For the Cancer Patient: Nicky Rudd & Esther Waterhouse (Both University Hospitals of Leicester and LOROS Hospice).
18. Genomics and Proteomics in Cancer Research and Diagnosis: Norbert C.J. de Wit (University of Warwick).
Glossary.
Index